The government is updating the Telecommunication Act after two decades, aiming to make it more investment-friendly and enforceable. An updated draft of the law has been prepared, but sector stakeholders believe it needs further refinement to address current technological and regulatory challenges.

During a round table discussion on “Enabling Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041: Reform of the Telecom Act and Way Forward,” held at the BCC meeting room of ICT Tower in Dhaka’s Agargaon, participants emphasized the need for the draft law to be practical and supportive of investment, rather than being predominantly penalty-based.

Stakeholders raised concerns that the draft law does not adequately define the independence of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and fails to address the regulation of social media businesses and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). They also highlighted a lack of coordination among different guidelines.

Professor Saimum Reza Talukder of BRAC University’s School of Law pointed out that the draft law does not adequately consider the implementation of digital services, data management, and fines related to Smart Bangladesh. He also noted the absence of clear arbitration authority and immunity provisions, which he said is contrary to the Rule of Law.

State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Junaid Ahmed Palak, expressed optimism about the amended Telecom Act. “We believe the amended Telecom Act will be timely, liberal, and one of the best in the world. It will be business-friendly and citizen-friendly in the future,” he said. He also announced the formation of a nine-member committee to address necessary amendments, including removing capital punishment for minor offences and non-bailable punishment for institutional heads.

The event was moderated by Rased Mehedi, President of the Telecom and Technology Reporter’s Network, Bangladesh (TRNB), with a welcome address delivered by General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin. High officials from BTRC, leaders from the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), mobile operators, and ISP business leaders were present.

BTRC Chairman Engineer Md Mohiuddin Ahmed emphasized, “The law is for the people. I believe in responsibility, not power. I want to perform my duties without fear, and I aim to serve the people while protecting their interests.”

AMTOB President Yasir Azman highlighted the importance of making the law citizen, state, and business-friendly. “We hope this law will align with global standards, retaining necessary clauses on non-bailable offences, fines, and arbitration systems,” he said.

Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) President Emdadul Hoque stressed that license renewal processes should remain within the BTRC rather than being transferred to the ministry. He also advocated for amendments to make share transfer processes easier and more supportive of small entrepreneurs.

Mobile Phone Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (MIOB) President Zakaria Shahid called for the inclusion of measures to combat the illegal mobile market. “We are producing mobile phones domestically according to guidelines, but the market is flooded with illegal products. This issue needs to be addressed in the law,” he said.