Photo: Collected

DHAKA, May 16, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at a seminar on  the telecom and digital ecosystem today underscored the need for structural reforms, stronger regulatory coordination, simplified approval processes, and long-term policy predictability to accelerate Bangladesh’s transition towards a high-value digital economy. 

They highlighted issues related to market concentration, investment facilitation, infrastructure development, regulatory efficiency, and service quality improvement across the telecom sector.

Telecom and Technology Reporters’ Network (TRNB) organized the seminar titled “Telecom Future: New Government’s Vision” in a city hotel. 

While delivering keynote presentation, Robi’s Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Barrister Shahed Alam said that although Bangladesh has achieved progress in connectivity and usage, it still remains largely a technology consumption market and has not yet become a high-value technology innovation hub. 

He also called for simplifying the approval process for launching new services.

Competition law expert and former Director of the Bangladesh Competition Commission Khaled Abu Naser said that nearly 91 percent of market profit is concentrated in a single company, which he said is creating monopoly conditions. 

He urged the BTRC to move beyond being only a revenue collector and work jointly with the Competition Commission to expand the digital economy.

Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) Secretary General Lt. Col.(Retd) Mohammad Zulfikar drew attention to ensuring uninterrupted power and energy supply from the national grid for data centres and requested support for foreign direct investment.

Foreign Investors' Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Chief Executive Officer T I M Nurul Kabir called for a clear telecom roadmap, coordination among different ministries, and tax reforms including VAT registration under the BTRC.

BUET Professor and telecom expert Dr. Lutfa Akhter urged full digital transformation of the BTRC, simplification of licensing procedures, and improvement of service quality.

Banglalink Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Taimur Rahman highlighted emerging opportunities and challenges related to spectrum pricing, expansion of optical fibre networks, and infrastructure sharing.

Managing Director of the state-owned mobile operator, Teletalk provided clarifications regarding media reports on government dues and spectrum allocation concerning the company, and requested new government investment for its development.