Industry
Then why do BTRC officials take salaries?
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission commenced its operations on January 31, 2002. Its inaugural office was located in the 'Style Nahar' building on Road No. 135, Gulshan-1. The first chairman was Syed Margub Morshed, who previously served as the Establishment Secretary of the Bangladesh Government. At that time, I was employed as a staff reporter for the daily Sangbad. Approximately a month after the BTRC began its functions, I was assigned to visit the new BTRC office. I was tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into this new commission. The then Chief Reporter of the newspaper, Kashem Humayun Bhai, noted down various questions regarding the responsibilities of the commission and its potential impact on telecommunication companies, which were sent along with my assignment.
Digital age press freedom: Opportunity or new control mechanism?
The digital revolution has changed journalism more rapidly than any previous era. News now spreads instantly through smartphones, social media platforms, and online news portals, removing many of the traditional barriers that once controlled information flow. In principle, this shift has expanded press freedom by allowing more voices to publish and reach global audiences without depending entirely on established media institutions.
Renewable energy: A new window to a sustainable future
As the world grapples with an ongoing energy crisis, the need for renewable energy has never been more urgent. The price of fossil fuels continues to rise globally, and the impacts of climate change are being felt by communities around the world. Bangladesh, with its increasing population and growing energy demands, faces the dual challenge of improving access to energy while also addressing environmental concerns.
'Floor price policy' for voice calls holding country back in internet services
At first glance, it may appear somewhat implausible, yet it is indeed a fact! A staggering 46 percent of the population in Bangladesh remains without internet access, a situation stemming from a contentious decision made by the telecommunications regulator, BTRC.
Let the scorching sun help keep Bangladesh cool
Bangladesh’s power policy is caught in a costly contradiction. The state continues to spend enormous sums subsidising electricity, with Tk 37,000 crore allocated for power subsidy in FY2025-26 after the revised figure for FY2024-25 rose to Tk 62,000 crore. Yet even as the country struggles under a subsidy-heavy, import-dependent power model, it continues to make renewable adoption more difficult than sound judgment would suggest.
Shwapno data breach: A wake‑up call for businesses
The recent disclosure of a massive data breach at Shwapno, Bangladesh’s largest supermarket chain, raises serious questions about corporate responsibility, regulatory oversight, and the adequacy of current cybersecurity practices in the country’s private sector. With over 4 million registered customers and 812 outlets across 63 districts, Shwapno holds one of the largest consumer datasets in the country. Such scale inherently carries a duty of care.
Regulate digital platforms with strategy, not reflex
Bangladesh needs stronger data governance and OTT regulation, but not through disruption or disproportionate compliance burdens. A sequenced, market-aware approach combining digital literacy, smarter enforcement, and competitive local infrastructure can protect citizens while preserving exports, entrepreneurship and economic resilience.
Three mobile operators make Tk4,000crore hitting pockets of customers!
During the preceding interim government, on January 12, 2025, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission made a decision that permitted mobile operators to offer data packages. This implies that mobile operators will have the autonomy to design their own packages and market them to consumers. As a result of this decision, mobile operators are enabled to provide data packages of varying durations and volumes, ranging from one hour to unlimited access. An investigation by Views Bangladesh has revealed that, by leveraging this opportunity, three foreign-owned mobile operators have accrued an additional approximate revenue of Tk4,000 crore from customers throughout 2025 by strategically pricing their packages. In contrast, the domestic operator Teletalk has refrained from employing this strategy for generating extra income. Furthermore, mobile operators are also seizing the chance to charge a minimum of 45 paisa and a maximum of Tk2 per minute for voice calls. While no other country in the world has a floor price for voice calls, Bangladesh stands out as the only nation where the regulatory authority has permitted mobile operators to impose higher charges for voice calls on customers rather than fostering competition.
Role of women entrepreneurs in domestic fashion
The fashion industry is as expansive today as it was a few years ago. It has undergone significant transformations, experiencing numerous highs and lows. After several decades, entrepreneurs are beginning to perceive a glimmer of optimism within this sector.
Bangladesh’s garment industry at risk?
Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry has long been a key driving force of the country’s economy. Duty-free access to the European Union market has particularly helped the sector build a strong position in the global market. However, the recently announced free trade agreement between the EU and India has created major concerns for Bangladesh. Analysts and industry insiders believe that once the deal comes into effect, Bangladesh’s competitive position in the European market may face serious challenges.