Officials call for restoring BTRC’s independence to ensure fair telecom practices in Bangladesh

Officials from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Users Association (BMPUA) are united in their call to restore the BTRC’s independence as stipulated in the original Telecommunication Regulation Act of 2001.

They argue that the BTRC is compromised by excessive influence from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, undermining its role as an impartial regulator. Both groups demand full autonomy over licensing, tariff regulation, and governance to reclaim their regulatory effectiveness.

The BMPUA also advocates for significant amendments to the Telecommunication Regulation Act, particularly removing legal clauses that shield the BTRC from judicial review. Such changes, they argue, are vital to enhancing public accountability and ensuring the commission operates with greater transparency in the public interest.

Moreover, they stress the need to reduce telecom service costs in Bangladesh by cutting out unnecessary intermediaries and promoting competitive licensing for key infrastructure like submarine cables. Strengthening competition and enforcing higher standards for telecom infrastructure, such as stricter tower quality and equipment regulations, are seen as essential steps toward making telecom services more reliable and affordable for all.

Additionally, BTRC officials and the BMPUA emphasise the importance of transparent, merit-based governance within the commission. They propose that all leadership positions be reserved for qualified Bangladeshi citizens to ensure that local expertise is prioritised and that the commission remains fully committed to advancing national interests.

In a further push for transparency, both groups advocate for public hearings before setting tariffs for internet and voice services, giving consumers a say in pricing decisions. They also highlight the critical need to recognise internet access as a fundamental human right, insisting that the BTRC be given full authority over internet regulation to prevent arbitrary shutdowns and external interference. These measures, they believe, will reinforce the commission’s independence while safeguarding the interests of consumers and promoting a more competitive, efficient telecom sector.