Staff Correspondent:

Experts and stakeholders on Sunday called for urgent reforms in the telecommunications sector to ensure affordable mobile and internet services for all.

Speaking at a discussion on telecommunication sector reforms and good governance, organised by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association at the Jatiya Press Club, they emphasised recognising the internet as a basic necessity and urged the government to reduce VAT and taxes on mobile internet and call rates.

They highlighted that the government currently takes around 60 to 70 per cent of the total cost of mobile calls and internet bills through various taxes and VAT.

This, they argued, has led to high consumer costs and limited accessibility.

The discussion also addressed the decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector, attributing it to regulatory discrimination.

The speakers stressed the need for a fairer regulatory environment to attract and retain foreign investors.

They also criticised the multi-layered internet distribution system, which they claim was established under previous governments and has contributed to inflated internet costs for consumers.

Engineer Ishrak Hossain, a member of BNP’s International Affairs Committee, accused the previous Awami League government of monopolising the telecommunications sector and using it for political surveillance.

He alleged that internet disruptions were deliberately orchestrated to suppress information and human rights violations.

Welcoming the introduction of Starlink, the US-based satellite internet provider, Ishrak stated that its services could revolutionise internet access in Bangladesh, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

This, he noted, could significantly boost digital opportunities, including freelancing and outsourcing for young people.

Ishrak also stressed the need for protecting local investors and infrastructure developers, who have already made substantial investments in the country’s internet sector.

Other speakers echoed concerns over excessive surcharges, taxes, and VAT, which have made mobile call rates and internet charges in Bangladesh among the highest in the region.

They argued that reducing regulatory charges by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) could enable telecom operators to lower costs for consumers.

Among those who spoke at the event were telecommunications expert and Grameenphone Senior Director Hossain Sadat, IIG President Aminul Hakim, BD Jobs CEO Fahim Mashrur and other industry representatives and technology experts.