Mobile Consumers Assoc pushes for reforms in telecom sector

In a significant push for reforms within the telecommunications sector, the Bangladesh Mobile Consumers Association (BMCA) submitted 17 proposals to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) at its office in the city on Sunday.
A delegation of BMCA, led by its President Mohiuddin Ahmed, met with the newly appointed BTRC Chairman, Major General (retd) Emdadul Haque Bari, and presented a comprehensive plan aimed at empowering the BTRC and addressing persistent issues in the telecommunications landscape.
Mohiuddin Ahmed emphasised the urgent need for changes that would enhance consumer rights and improve service quality.
He termed the existing Telecommunications Regulation Act, enacted in 2001 and amended in 2010, outdated and inconsistent.
He stressed that the BTRC should operate independently from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, which currently hinders effective regulation.
The proposals call for the BTRC to assume full authority over all the telecommunications services, including internet media and social platforms.
Mr Ahmed insisted that internet access should be recognised as a fundamental human right, with clear guidelines established to prevent arbitrary service shutdowns.
He also highlighted the need for a transparent process for determining tariffs on voice and internet services, advocating for public hearings that involve stakeholders and consumers alike.
Referring to the rising costs of services, Ahmed said that significant price reductions could be achieved by eliminating unnecessary fees and taxes.
He also raised concerns about the quality of telecommunications infrastructure, urging the BTRC to enforce standards that would prevent the use of substandard materials in tower construction.
In addition to these reforms, Ahmed called for a more efficient customer grievance redressal system, criticising the slow resolution of complaints and urging the commission to impose penalties on operators that fail to comply with regulations.
He also stressed the importance of transparency regarding the Social Responsibility Fund, urging regular disclosures to ensure accountability.
Chairman Bari responded positively to the proposals, assuring that steps to be taken to strengthen the commission in light of the feedback from the BMCA.
He acknowledged the necessity of addressing the issues of substandard service and the importance of consumer input.
BMCA delegation members included Advocate Moniruzzaman Monir, Engineer Abu Saleh, and its Office Secretary Sheikh Farid.

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