TDS Desk

The use of the latest technology-enriched illegal satellite phones is increasing in the country, which increases the security threat. These satellite phones are being imported illegally into the country as public use of satellite phones is prohibited.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) can’t take action as the regulatory body has no equipment to track satellite phones. On the other hand, the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) has satellite phone interception technology in its intelligent platform. According to people concerned, there is no example of seizing satellite phones using the NTMC technology. However, the law enforcement agency has seized a few satellite phones so far and later handed them over to the BTRC.

People concerned said the country’s many VIPs use satellite phones without permission from the BTRC. Besides, some militant and criminal gangs active in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and frontier areas have satellite phones. They use satellite phones for drug and arms smuggling.

Wishing anonymity, a member of an intelligence agency who works in the Chittagong Hill Tracts said they have recovered satellite phones in multiple operations. Elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) also recovered satellite phones from armed terrorists in Chattogram a few years ago. A BTRC official said the Bangladesh Army in a drive recovered a satellite phone from the possession of a top political leader during 1/11. BTRC later seized the phone.

Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers’ Association (BMPCA) President Mohiuddin Ahmed told that satellite phones and devices are illegal or strictly controlled in Bangladesh, Nigeria, Chad, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. But some people and groups are using these phones denying the law in Bangladesh. Many VIPs, CIPs, businessmen and even members of law enforcement agencies use satellite phones. During the July mass uprising, when the government shut down the internet system across the country, the then state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak used to give Facebook posts using satellite internet. Many political persons and businessmen in the country are using satellite phones to operate their political and business activities. As the use of satellite phones is an offence and anti-law activity, those who use these satellite phones will have to be brought under punishment.

Telecommunication concerned said generally members of the Bangladeshi forces who work in the deep sea use satellite phones. Their use is legal because mobile phones are not effective in the deep sea. Satellite phone is the only option to maintain communication in the sea areas.

Dr Md. Sohel Rana, director of Radio Communication Study and Research of Spectrum Department of BTRC told   that normally BTRC doesn’t allow satellite phones. It, however, has permitted some important organisations or agencies to use satellite phones. Diplomatic Corps, UN organisations, Bangladesh Army, oil and gas companies, Chevron, and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) have satellite phones. BTRC has not permitted any person so far.

“If we get information about illegal use of satellite phones, legal action will be taken immediately. Responsible persons will be booked through the cases and fines as per the law. We are worried about the personal use of satellite phones. A person can call from anywhere through a satellite phone. Satellite phones don’t need a tower. There is no difference between mobile and satellite phones except for networking systems. A satellite phone network works only by connecting satellites. Its network never interrupts due to bad weather and place.”