Sweeping reforms coming in telecom regulation, surveillance regime

Sweeping reforms in Bangladesh's telecommunications regulation and surveillance regime are coming in an amended law as the interim government endorses an ordinance that proscribes services suspension, in particular.
The Advisory Council Wednesday granted final approval to the Bangladesh Telecommunications (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 introducing the overhaul.
The revised ordinance explicitly bans the suspension of internet and telecommunications services.
It also reinforces the autonomy and accountability of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) by redefining the distribution of powers between the regulator and the ministry, moving away from the contested framework introduced through the 2010 amendment.
Under the new legal framework, the BTRC will be responsible for issuing the majority of licences, while the ministry will retain authority over a limited number of licences deemed nationally significant, based on independent assessments.
To strengthen oversight, a parliamentary accountability committee has been formed, headed by the chair of the Standing Committee on Posts and Telecommunications.
The ordinance aims to create a more investment-friendly environment by shortening licensing timelines and scaling back excessive and recurring fines.
It also mandates the BTRC to hold public hearings every four months and disclose follow-up actions, alongside provisions designed "to prevent conflicts of interest".
The misuse of SIM and device-registration data for surveillance or harassment purposes has been made a criminal offence.
Provisions related to freedom of expression have been revised in line with the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, narrowing punishable offences to cases involving direct incitement to violence.
The amendment introduces clear appeal and arbitration mechanisms for resolving disputes in the telecommunications sector.
It also establishes a new Centre for Information Support (CIS) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The CIS will replace the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre and will be limited to providing technical assistance for lawful interception, without carrying out interception activities itself.
Lawful interception has been precisely defined and restricted to judicially sanctioned and emergency circumstances, subject to mandatory approval from a semi-judicial council and oversight by parliament.
Additional safeguards have been incorporated to protect image, voice, SIM and device-related data, aligning the framework with international best practices.
The ordinance had previously received policy approval on November 20 and was finalised after consultations with the relevant ministries.

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