Photo: PID

DHAKA, Aug 19, 2026 (BSS) – Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today urged mobile operators to address public complaints about call drops and package-related issues while ensuring better telecom services for customers.

“Another complaint I constantly receive, and our adviser also receives, is about call drops. There is also talk about packages. . .,” he said.

Faqir Mahbub Anam, who is also the Science and Technology Minister, made the remarks as the chief guest at the “Powering the Future: Robi Completes Dhaka Modernisation” event at Robi Corporate Office.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad and Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari (Retd.) were also present.

Mentioning that public satisfaction and welfare are the government’s top priorities, Faqir Mahbub said he is fully aware of the challenges and prospects of the telecommunications sector.

He said the government recently took an important initiative to withdraw the SIM tax in response to a longstanding demand, adding that the expectation from such a public-friendly government measure was that its benefits would reach ordinary customers directly rather than remain limited to mobile operators.

Referring to the successful implementation of the Dhaka Modernisation Project and the improvement in customer services through the project, the minister said it gives them hope and encouragement for the future.

“I hope customers across the country will also receive similar improved service facilities in the future,” he said.

The minister congratulated Robi on its modernisation and 5G rollout in Dhaka city but urged the operator to extend similar services to rural areas.

“I would request you (Robi), we want to see your service in villages,” he said.

Faqir Mahbub said that when he visits his constituency, he receives many phone calls from people but sees comparatively fewer Robi numbers, despite the operator having 58.57 million subscribers.

“So I would request the Robi team here not to remain only within the cities,” he said, adding that people living in villages should not be left behind and should also receive Robi’s services properly.

He also urged Robi to extend its services to villages, riverine areas and mountainous regions so that more people could use Robi’s mobile services.

The minister said tower sharing could make it easier for operators to expand their services.

Faqir Mahbub also called on Robi to communicate more clearly with customers about call drops and package-related issues.

“I don’t know, from your business point of view, what you think, but I am talking about the people’s perception and the complaints we receive,” he said.

He urged the operators to explain to customers why call drops occur and said customers are not charged for dropped calls and that the amount is refunded to them.

Referring to package-related complaints, he said some customers complain that, for instance, they buy a Tk 500 package, have money remaining, but lose it when the validity period expires.

“If you explain these issues, then we will be a little better off, because people keep complaining to us and say that you should do something,” he said.

The minister also urged Robi to use the media or other forms of messaging to communicate such issues to its subscribers.

He said such communication would help reduce the complaints and questions they receive from the public.

Faqir Mahbub said investment is being considered one of the key driving forces for achieving the government’s goals, with the government giving the highest importance to attracting and encouraging foreign investment.

Referring to Malaysia as a longtime friend of Bangladesh, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recently visited Malaysia and held talks with the Malaysian prime minister.

He said the Axiata Group is a Malaysia-based business conglomerate and expressed the expectation that relations with Malaysia, including economic and friendship ties, would continue to develop.

The minister expressed his belief that Robi would continue to invest in improving network service quality and provide more value-added and quality services to customers.