The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Bangladesh has instructed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to eliminate the legal provision permitting internet shutdowns from the country’s telecom law. This directive, issued last Monday to BTRC Chairman Fayez Ahmed Taiyeb by a special assistant to the Chief Adviser on security authority, aims to amend the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act of 2001.
The ministry emphasized revising the law to prevent arbitrary internet shutdowns by government or private entities, reinforcing digital rights and access. Additionally, the directive calls for aligning the nation’s surveillance system with international standards, particularly restructuring the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC).
The recommendation highlights that only a single agency should serve as the official surveillance gateway, while other law enforcement bodies operate under judicial oversight, fostering a structured, compliant surveillance framework. The ministry also stressed that lawful interception within telecom networks must adhere strictly to global standards to ensure accountability and legitimacy.
