Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb calls for thoughtful recommendations to enhance the telecom policy

Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, said today that all reasonable suggestions will be taken into consideration to strengthen and refine the country’s telecom policy.

Speaking at a roundtable titled "Telecommunication Network and Licensing Infrastructure" held at a city hotel, Taiyeb noted, “This policy aims to bring about a generational transformation, and we are working diligently toward its implementation.”

Addressing the issue of licenses, he said the number of licenses permitted under the policy will be guided by license obligations and KPI performance. However, he suggested that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) could engage private research firms to determine the optimal number of licenses required. He emphasized that the policy should not be used as a pretext to block new investors.

Taiyeb also called on local representatives of foreign firms to prioritize the country’s best interests.

Highlighting the need for improved mobile services, he warned that operators failing to raise service quality risk losing customers. “We aim to shift our focus from basic connectivity to value-added services,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to free up lower-band frequencies and reform the current telecom ecosystem.

He reiterated that constructive and realistic input will be welcomed to further enrich the policy.

“This is the most participatory and democratic policy-making process we’ve ever had,” Taiyeb stated, noting that he personally engaged with stakeholders across the sector. “Those entering the market with new licenses will be empowered to contribute significantly. There will be no artificial cap on licenses,” he added.

BTRC Chairman Major General (retd.) Emdad Ul Bari said telecom services operate in real-time and sudden changes could create disruptions. “Therefore, any reforms will be sustainable and done in consultation with stakeholders,” he assured. He also clarified that fewer than 50% of the population currently use the internet, and while the policy includes a migration plan, no licenses are being canceled.

Post and Telecommunication Division Secretary Jahirul Islam said the new policy framework is designed to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

The roundtable was chaired by TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey and attended by key figures including TIM Nurul Kabir, Executive Director of the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Aminul Hakim, President of ISPAB; and Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, consultant to the World Bank.