In a pivotal move to reform telecommunications in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Mobile Consumers Association (BMCA) has submitted a set of 17 proposals to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). This submission took place at the BTRC’s office in the city last Sunday.
Led by President Mohiuddin Ahmed, the BMCA delegation met with BTRC’s newly appointed Chairman, Major General (retd) Emdadul Haque Bari. During the meeting, they presented a detailed plan designed to empower the BTRC and tackle ongoing issues in the sector.
Highlighting the urgency for reform, Mohiuddin Ahmed called for updates to the Telecommunications Regulation Act, labeling the current regulations from 2001 (amended in 2010) as outdated. He advocated for the BTRC’s operational independence from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to enable more effective regulation.
Ahmed pushed for the BTRC to have complete control over all telecommunications services, including internet and social media platforms, emphasizing that internet access should be recognized as a fundamental human right. He proposed clear regulations to prevent arbitrary internet shutdowns and advocated for a transparent process in setting tariffs for voice and internet services, suggesting that public hearings include consumer and stakeholder participation.
He also pointed out the potential for reducing service costs by removing unnecessary fees and taxes and highlighted concerns about the quality of telecommunications infrastructure. Ahmed urged the BTRC to set standards to avoid the use of substandard materials in tower construction.
Moreover, Ahmed emphasized the need for a more effective customer grievance system, suggesting penalties for operators that do not adhere to regulations and called for increased transparency concerning the Social Responsibility Fund to ensure accountability.
Responding to the proposals, Chairman Bari expressed a positive outlook, affirming that the commission would take strong measures to enhance its capabilities and address the raised issues, acknowledging the importance of consumer feedback in improving service standards.
The meeting was also attended by BMCA members Advocate Moniruzzaman Monir, Engineer Abu Saleh, and Office Secretary Sheikh Farid, all part of a concerted effort to shape the future of telecommunications in Bangladesh.
