The government has no plans to privatize state-owned mobile operator Teletalk, saying the company will remain under public ownership to ensure healthy competition in Bangladesh’s telecommunications market.
Telecommunications Minister Mahbub Anam made the announcement while responding to a supplementary question during a parliamentary session on Sunday. The session was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
The minister said Teletalk plays an important role in maintaining competitive pricing in the mobile telecommunications sector. According to him, if the state-owned operator were removed from the market, private mobile companies could gain greater freedom to increase service charges.
“Teletalk must remain in the market, and it should continue to be owned by the government,” the minister told lawmakers.
Expansion Plans for Teletalk
Mahbub Anam said the government intends to strengthen Teletalk’s network by installing additional mobile towers across the country. He noted that the expansion will require government funding, while efforts are also underway to secure financial support from foreign sources.
Government Concerned Over Unused Mobile Data
Responding to another question, the minister acknowledged growing public concerns over the expiration of unused mobile internet data after the validity of 7-day or 15-day packages ends.
He said the issue has been discussed several times between the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and mobile network operators. While operators have defended the current practice based on their commercial policies, the government will continue pressing them to adopt more consumer-friendly measures.
The minister added that discussions have also been held regarding call drops, emphasizing that the government will maintain pressure on telecom operators to improve service quality and protect consumer interests.
Allegation Against BTRC to Be Investigated
During the session, a lawmaker alleged that officials of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission had received additional honorariums by classifying the preparation of the National Telecommunications Policy as a research project, despite it being part of the commission’s regular responsibilities.
In response, the telecommunications minister said the allegation would be examined and that further details would be provided after the matter is reviewed.
Broadband Connectivity Expands Nationwide
Replying to another parliamentary question, the minister said the government’s Digital Connectivity Project is progressing steadily, with a target of providing 109,004 broadband internet connections nationwide.
So far, broadband services have been installed at approximately 57,000 public institutions, including colleges affiliated with the National University, secondary and higher secondary schools, government primary schools, madrasas, technical and vocational institutions, community clinics, land offices, and district courts.
