BNP raises concern over hastiness in forming new telecom policy

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed concerns over the speed and process of finalising the new telecom policy proposed by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Watch: BNP senior leaders speak at the conference

At an emergency press conference held yesterday at the party chairperson's office in Gulshan, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir acknowledged the positive intentions behind the BTRC's "Draft Telecom Network and Licensing Reform Policy 2025". 

The draft aims to simplify the licensing framework, encourage technological innovation, and expand digital access, especially in rural areas, he said.

However, Fakhrul warned that rushing such a critical reform could undermine fair and sustainable development in the telecom sector. "A detailed review reveals serious concerns that could adversely affect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local entrepreneurs," he said.

He urged the government to conduct comprehensive financial and social impact assessments and to hold inclusive consultations with all stakeholders – particularly SMEs, experts, and consumer groups – before moving forward. 

He also criticised the timing of the reform, citing the upcoming national election as a reason to avoid unilateral implementation.

Fakhrul expressed apprehension over the proposal to lift restrictions on cross-ownership, warning that it might enable large telecom operators to monopolise multiple service sectors. 

"This would stifle competition and marginalise smaller players," he said.

The draft policy, released on 22 April, seeks to overhaul the country's telecom licensing system, which has remained complex and multilayered for over 15 years. 

It proposes reducing licensing categories to three: international connectivity service providers, national infrastructure and connectivity providers, and access network service providers.

During the press event, Fakhrul also raised concerns about the financial burden on SMEs, especially local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and smaller telecom companies, due to unclear rules on asset management and accountability in the proposed deregulated framework. 

Ambiguities regarding the duration and terms of foreign ownership rights were cited as potential deterrents to investment, risking sector instability.

"Without clear safeguards, big companies may dominate the market even further," Fakhrul said.

BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan, Media Wing official Shamsuddin Didar, and Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan attended the press conference.