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Rased Mehedi

  • EDITOR

Journalist, Editor, Views Bangladesh
Why is Delhi sending Dinesh Trivedi to Dhaka?
Why is Delhi sending Dinesh Trivedi to Dhaka?
Diplomacy

Why is Delhi sending Dinesh Trivedi to Dhaka?

Dinesh Trivedi is set to arrive in Dhaka. This announcement has sparked considerable interest and enthusiasm within the diplomatic and political communities of Dhaka. Numerous individuals have served as Indian High Commissioners in Dhaka, and many more are expected to follow. However, Dinesh Trivedi stands out as 'unique' among those who have held this position, even before he officially assumes office. Unlike his predecessors, he is neither a seasoned diplomat nor a senior bureaucrat; rather, he is a prominent figure in Indian politics, having previously served as a member of the Lok Sabha and held ministerial roles in the central government. He is recognized as a close associate of India's current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Additionally, he was the inaugural general secretary of the Trinamool Congress, the party led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Consequently, it is only natural to wonder why such a significant political figure is being dispatched from Delhi to Dhaka.

'Floor price policy' for voice calls holding country back in internet services
'Floor price policy' for voice calls holding country back in internet services
Telecom

'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.

Collusion to undermine the online bus ticketing system!
Collusion to undermine the online bus ticketing system!
Editorial Views

Collusion to undermine the online bus ticketing system!

Arafat Siddiqui, an officer at BBC Media Action, purchased a ticket from Hanif Paribahan via shohoz.com on March 15 for a trip scheduled at 9:30 pm to Naogaon on March 19. However, at 8 am on March 19, he received a notification from Shojhod.com indicating that Hanif Paribahan had canceled the trip.

Three mobile operators make Tk4,000crore hitting pockets of customers!
Three mobile operators make Tk4,000crore hitting pockets of customers!
Telecom

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.

Policies must be developed with ‘digital sovereignty’ in mind
Policies must be developed with ‘digital sovereignty’ in mind
Editorial Views

Policies must be developed with ‘digital sovereignty’ in mind

Recently, the French government has made the decision to cease the use of US-owned platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft’s Meet, along with other similar "online video conferencing platforms" within government offices. The decision indicates that France aims to eliminate the use of video conferencing software from the US or any foreign nation across all levels of government and the private sector by the year 2027. Officials stated that numerous sensitive and significant state matters are being discussed on these platforms, and the data from these discussions is stored on US servers, which compromises France’s digital sovereignty. Simultaneously, it was announced that France will spearhead efforts to promote the implementation of a coordinated 'digital sovereignty' policy among European Union member states. In a related development, another European nation, Austria, has declared its intention to gradually phase out the use of Microsoft’s Office software, opting instead to adopt its own Office suite universally. This decision has been made by the royal family.

Tarique Rahman, beware of toadies
Tarique Rahman, beware of toadies
Editorial Views

Tarique Rahman, beware of toadies

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is currently receiving an outpouring of congratulations due to his imminent assumption of the role of Prime Minister of Bangladesh within the next day or two. We extend our congratulations to Tarique Rahman on this significant occasion of becoming the leader of the nation, following the party's substantial victory in the national elections. However, as a professional journalist, I feel it is my responsibility to highlight a crucial aspect of national politics. As a conscientious citizen, I wish to avoid witnessing any future head of government being perceived as a 'disrespectful' figure by the conclusion of their term. I understand that such discussions may not be well-received in the current climate. While it is certainly gratifying to hear words of commendation today, I seek to hear something more substantial, as my professional obligation is to convey the truth with clarity and precision.

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