Bangladesh Telecommu-nication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has sent a letter to the country's leading telecom operator Grameenphone (GP) to pay Tk 125.79 billion (12,579.95 crore) in dues, reports UNB.
Of the total amount, GP owes Tk 84.94 billion to BTRC while Tk 40.85 billion to National Board of Revenue (NBR), said BTRC Chairman Jahurul Haque.
"Grameenphone has been asked to pay the sum within 10 to 15 days. Our actual dues was Tk 30.00 billion, but now its stands a huge amount following the increase of interest," he said.
The letter in this regard has been served to the CEO of GP, he added. When contacted, Sayed Talat Kamal, deputy director (external communications) of the operator, said "We have received the letter on Tuesday afternoon."
Meanwhile, in response to the move by the government authorities Grameenphone said it "does not admit the demand and will now make a full assessment to determine the appropriate course of action."
In a statement issued the operator said, "Despite numerous interactions with the Regulator and extending our full cooperation to the auditors, it is very unfortunate to note that the demand note does not reflect our concerns.
Throughout the entire audit process we have pointed out the errors in the methodologies, procedure and substance of this audit exercise; however, our observations have gone unheeded. Grameenphone is a transparent company and adheres to the applicable laws of the land."
According to BTRC, the government has sent a letter to GP, seeking payment of dues last year. In reply to the letter, GP asked for revisit and full evaluation. After re-examination, BTRC sent another letter to GP, which also faced GP's objection.
