Draft of Bangladesh Telecommunications Ordinance 2025 published

The draft of the Bangladesh Telecommunications Ordinance 2025 has been published. The Department of Posts and Telecommunications prepared the draft. It has been made available on the department’s website for public awareness and to collect opinions from relevant stakeholders and the general public.

The proposed ordinance includes several fundamental and timely amendments to existing laws and policies, including a prohibition on internet shutdowns. It is expected to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights in Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector.

Opinions on the draft can be submitted online via email to secretary@ptd.gov.bd. They can also be sent by post to the Secretary, Department of Posts and Telecommunications, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.

The public and stakeholders have been requested to submit their opinions by November 15.

According to the draft, all internet-based services — such as OTT platforms, social media, online messaging, and video streaming apps will come under government approval. Service providers of these platforms will now be required to register in Bangladesh and provide information to security agencies if necessary.

As per the law, an independent Bangladesh Telecommunications Commission will be formed, which will be responsible for issuing licences, formulating policies, allocating spectrum, and regulating technical standards. The commission will consist of five members, including a chairman and a vice-chairman.

The draft also states that operating telecommunication services or foreign OTT platforms without authorisation will be considered a punishable offence. Moreover, in the interest of national security or public order, the government will have the authority to suspend or shut down any platform if required.

This new ordinance will come into effect by repealing the Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933.

In a press release on Wednesday, the Posts and Telecommunications Division said that the proposed ordinance introduces several fundamental and timely amendments to the existing laws and policies, including the prohibition of internet shutdowns. It is expected that this will further strengthen transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights in Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector.