The government is updating the Telecommunication Act after two decades. An updated draft of the law has been prepared for this. Sector people and stakeholders feel that it needs to be more investment-friendly and enforceable.
They demand that the draft telecom law should be enforceable and tolerable and not just penalty-based, which can reduce the existing hurdles through inclusion and coordination facilities.
Stakeholders alleged that the draft law does not properly define the independence of the regulatory body Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and social media business. Not included are the latest technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The lack of coordination of different guidelines is also evident.
Sector people and stakeholders expressed these opinions in the round table discussion on “Enabling Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041: Reform of the Telecom Act and Way Forward” held at BCC meeting room of ICT Tower in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Wednesday.
BRAC University’s School of Law Faculty Professor Saimum Reza Talukder said that in the law, to implementation of Smart Bangladesh, the issue of individuals or institutions has not been brought to attention in terms of digital services, data and fines. Absence of specific authority of arbitration and immunity is contrary to the Rules of Law.
State Minister for Posts Telecommunication and Information Technology Junaid Ahmed Palak as a chief guest said that the telecom has contributed immensely to today's development.
“We think the amended Telecom Act will be timely, liberal, best in the world. Through the best practices of this law, it will become business friendly and citizen-friendly in the future. For this reason, there is no disagreement in the proposal that came today regarding the draft law,” he said.
He also added, “A 9 members committee will be formed for the necessary amendments, including abolition of the provision of capital punishment for minor offences, non-bailable punishment of the head of the institution.”
General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin delivered the welcome address at the event moderated by Telecom and Technology Reporter’s Network, Bangladesh (TRNB) President Rased Mehedi. High official of BTRC, leader of Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), mobile operators and ISP business leaders were present in the program.
BTRC Chairman Engineer Md Mohiuddin Ahmed said, “The law is for people. I believe in responsibility, not power. I want to do my duty without fear. It is not military rule. I want to serve people by protecting self-interest.”
Highlighting the issue of women and children using the internet in remote areas outside Dhaka, AMTOB President Yasir Azman said that we hope this law will be citizen, state and business-friendly. We believe that a smart telecom act will be made in line with other countries of the world by keeping the non-bailable clause, burden of fines and arbitration system of this law.
Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) President Emdadul Hoque said that in the law, the license renewal should not be sent from BTRC to the ministry. Similarly, the Act has been amended to make the process of transfer of shares easier and more small-entrepreneur friendly.
Mobile Phone Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (MIOB) President Zakaria Shahid said that we are producing mobile phones in the country according to the guidelines. But the market is full of illegal products. We are worried about it. Let the illegal mobile market be included in the law.
