The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is advancing reforms in the telecommunications sector with broad stakeholder support, aiming to improve affordability and service quality. BTRC Chairman Md Emdad-ul-Bari emphasized the need for regulations to evolve alongside technological advancements, particularly in the digital services sector, to enhance connectivity and consumer benefits.
Speaking at a consultative workshop, Emdad-ul-Bari stated, “Technology is constantly changing, so we must adapt to new developments.” He highlighted that digital services would be prioritized to improve network connectivity and customer satisfaction.
BTRC’s engineering and operations division commissioner, Iqbal Ahmed, noted that the reforms would focus on customer interests while ensuring the smooth transition of existing businesses. The proposed framework introduces three telecom license categories: Access Service Providers, National Connectivity Service Providers, and International Connectivity Service Providers.
Stakeholders raised concerns over infrastructure sharing, regulatory flexibility for new technologies, and improvements to last-mile connectivity. They also called for market competition, tax policy revisions, transparent tariffs, and open-access transmission. For international services, discussions centered on investment opportunities and aligning telecom policies with ICT regulations.
The workshop saw participation from BTRC officials, Bangladesh Bank, the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre, telecom operators, internet service providers, industry associations, and experts from major universities like BUET, MIST, North South University, and BRAC University.
