Robi, bKash refute allegations

Mobile financial platforms and mobile operators have responded strongly after Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser on Telecom and ICT Affairs, alleged that mobile data packages are being sold at inflated prices through third-party platforms like bKash -- sometimes as much as 80 per cent higher than official rates.
In a Facebook post late Monday, Taiyeb cited a report titled "Mobile Package Overcharging: A Call for Regulatory Audit and Consumer Protection", which found "significant discrepancies between prices listed on mobile operator apps and prices charged through external channels".
According to the post, a 30-day 45-GB pack listed at Tk 497 on the mobile operator's app was reportedly sold for Tk 598 through bKash -- an increase of 20 percent. Similarly, a 7-day 25-GB pack priced at Tk 198 was sold as a 20-GB pack at the same rate via bKash, implying an 80 percent overcharging. Other data packs also showed inflation ranging from 55 to 70 per cent.
Taiyeb said, "There is a clear pricing regulation under the Systems and Services Department of BTRC. Ignoring it, charging an estimated additional price of 20 to 80 per cent should be considered against the interests of consumers and the overall interests of the state."
He added that if such discrepancies are proven, "those involved should face regulatory penalties." In response, bKash expressed surprise over the allegations and stated it had not been contacted for clarification before the report or the subsequent social media post.
"All mobile recharge packages and package prices published on the bKash platform are determined and given by the respective telecom service provider," said Shamsuddin Haider Dalim, Head of Corporate Communications and PR at bKash.

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