BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has described the country’s telecom policy as “critical,” asserting that an elected government will review all existing policies, including those related to the telecommunications sector.

He made the remarks at a seminar “Challenges in Shaping the Bangladesh of Tomorrow: The Future of Local Entrepreneurs in the Telecommunications and Information Technology Sectors” organized by Telecom and Technology Reporters’ Network, Bangladesh (TRNB) in Dhaka’s Holiday Inn hotel.

“Telecom policy is critical. These policies must be formulated based on the opinions of stakeholders,” Amir Khasru said.

“Over the past 15 years, the way licenses were issued in this sector and the way the BTRC’s independence was undermined—this requires major reform. Such reforms must ensure the protection of domestic entrepreneurs and digital security. In a sector with such high profits, why shouldn’t local investors be able to invest? These issues must be kept in mind while drafting policies.”

He further assured stakeholders that a future elected government would safeguard the telecom sector. “Any policy introduced by an unelected government—including telecom policy—will be reviewed by an elected government,” he added.

Amir Khasru also emphasized that a new telecom policy designed to deliver a “best, fast, and secure” network must not discriminate between domestic and foreign investors in terms of spectrum and broadband development.

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zahir Uddin Swapon said the issue of “digital sovereignty” must be considered in policymaking. “We must ensure that digital security is guaranteed in these policies. Policies cannot be crafted without accountability,” he noted.

Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki said that strong policies are essential to meet future challenges. “To what extent are foreign companies held accountable? Our IIGs and ISPs are domestic companies. Yet the policies appear to be designed to shift control from local companies to foreign ones,” he said.

“We see ports being handed over to foreign entities. We want our trade and economy to stand on our own foundations. Policies that put the jobs of 500,000–700,000 workers at risk cannot be accepted,” Saki added.