A three-day workshop focused on policy, regulation, and services began today in Dhaka, bringing together South Asian telecommunications regulators. The workshop, organized by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), was inaugurated by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.
The event, held at BTRC’s office, has attracted around 200 participants, including representatives from telecommunications and IT regulatory agencies, telecom operators, government and private officials, and experts from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, and Iran. Associate member organizations of the Asia Pacific Telecommunication Community (APTC), such as Huawei Technologies (China), Amazon India, Internet Society Asia Limited (Singapore), and Cullen International (Belgium), are also participating.
The event was chaired by BTRC Chairman Major Gen Md. Emdad-ul-Bari (retd), with APTC Secretary General Masanori Kondo and Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, a member of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Chairman of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulatory Council (SATRC), joining as special guests.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, speaking at the inauguration, highlighted the common challenges South Asian countries face with rapid technological advancements, particularly in the telecom sector. He emphasized the importance of quality customer service and digital solutions in achieving digital transformation, especially in South Asia, where regulatory hurdles are often more complex than in the West. Taiyeb also noted the need for inclusivity in the digital journey, urging for the identification of specific obstacles and exploring opportunities to address them.
Masanori Kondo discussed the workshop’s goal to foster the exchange of insights, experiences, and best practices among member countries. This would help regulatory agencies tackle key challenges and formulate better regulations for the region. Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar underscored the vital role of telecommunication services in social and economic development, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure affordable and quality services for consumers.
BTRC Chairman Emdad-ul-Bari spoke about the region’s adoption of emerging technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT, alongside improvements in digital infrastructure and consumer protection. He emphasized that regional cooperation would significantly accelerate progress and praised Bangladesh’s strides in expanding mobile coverage, digital services, and financial inclusion.
The first day’s sessions focused on challenges faced by regulators in broadband, the use of Universal Service Regulation Funds for digital inclusion, and ICT e-waste management for sustainable development. On the second day, topics will cover digital consumer protection, online scams, financial fraud, and the impact of convergence on telecom and ICT services. The final day will address net neutrality in developing countries and digital transformation across South Asia.
The South Asian Telecommunication Regulatory Council (SATRC), established in 1997, coordinates key regulatory issues and strategies in telecommunications for the region, promoting regional cooperation and addressing international challenges in the sector. The council holds various workshops and symposia annually to tackle issues vital to member countries.
