Proposed changes to make BTRC toothless again

Says TIB

12 July 2010, 18:00 PM

Du Correspondent

Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) demanded re-evaluation of the proposed amendments to The Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2010 so that the telecommunication sector can be freed from political influence and administrative complicacy to encourage investment. TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the proposed amendments to the act made by the parliamentary standing committee placed before the parliament on July 11 will categorically make the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) a powerless body, said a press release yesterday. The amendments will also create irregularities in this sector, he said. TIB thinks that the proposed amendment is against the election manifesto of the ruling Awami League as it clearly says initiatives would be taken to ensure a political influence and administrative complicacy free environment for flourishing the industry and capital market. The organisation also opined that the proposed amendments are also against the National Telecommunication Policy, 1998. TIB said public opinion on the amendments should be taken through website and various mass media to make the discussion in the parliament effective.