The telecom regulator has unveiled plans for one of the most far-reaching legal shake-ups in the sector in over a decade, aiming to bring the country's communications framework in line with rapid digital transformation and rising security demands.
In a recent proposal sent to the government, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) outlined extensive amendments to the Bangladesh Telecommunication (Amendment) Act, 2010, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.
The changes would grant the state greater control over network access, mandate real-time interception capabilities for telecom and digital service providers, and broaden the definition of "telecommunication services" to include social media, cloud platforms, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.
The regulator says the sector has shifted dramatically in the past decade, with the rise of high-speed internet, app-based communications, and cloud-based services creating new opportunities.
New threats such as cybercrime, misinformation, and misuse of encrypted platforms have also emerged.
Current laws, it argues, are outdated and leave gaps in oversight and enforcement.
One key proposal would allow the government to secure uninterrupted access to telecom networks for national security agencies, law enforcement, intelligence services, and emergency responders.
Operators would be legally required to prioritise these agencies during crises and provide technical support to ensure communications continuity.
This reflects a global trend towards establishing high-priority government channels to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber and hybrid threats.
The draft also calls for a centralised lawful interception system, requiring all licensed operators, including mobile carriers, internet service providers (ISPs), and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, to install and maintain real-time monitoring capabilities.
This would allow authorised agencies to track voice, data, and messaging services under formal legal authorisation, enabling faster responses to criminal activity, cyber incidents, and national security threats.
Financial and operational accountability would also be tightened. The BTRC has proposed that all licensed operators and digital service providers come under the audit jurisdiction of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and the Bangladesh Chartered Accountants Order, 1973.
Public authorities would be able to conduct full audits to ensure transparency in areas such as revenue sharing, spectrum fees, and service quality.
Non-compliance with licensing conditions, particularly relating to financial duties, service standards, or technical requirements, could result in tougher penalties, ranging from heavy fines to suspension or cancellation of licences.
To reflect technological change, the definition of "telecommunication services" would be expanded to cover cloud computing, social media platforms, instant messaging apps, and machine-to-machine communications.
This would bring global tech companies operating in Bangladesh under local regulation, with mandatory registration and licensing for any digital or internet-based communication service.
The proposals also include emergency powers allowing the government to take control of telecom operations during national crises, natural disasters, or other major incidents, ensuring uninterrupted communication for critical state functions.
The draft ordinance has been submitted for government review, with consultations planned involving telecom operators, ISPs, OTT providers, law enforcement, and national security agencies.
If approved, the amendments are expected to mark the most significant overhaul of Bangladesh's telecom regulatory framework in more than a decade, reshaping oversight, enforcement, and the country's approach to digital communications.
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