Regulatory independence sabotaged in Bangladesh

Posted on January 29, 2009 / 2 Comments

An administrative misadventure has wiped out the possibility of regulatory independence within near future in Bangladesh. BTRC is celebrating its seventh birthday tomorrow (January 30). The regulator has, however, failed to deliver effective regulation. It has been, legally, structured like that from day one.

The country was run by a military-backed interim government during entire 2007-08. It came down heavily on the corrupt politicians and businessmen but spared inept policies within the government. Telecoms sector is the worst victim of such negligence. And instead of getting independent, the regulator became unruly during this time. It acted like a feudal tax collector in the name of enriching the treasury. Finally it structured an amendment that creates an administrative monster end of the day. Naturally the media has sharply reacted to this move. This administrative misadventure has further strengthened the anti-reformists in Bangladesh.

2 Comments

Amar
January 30, 2009, 7:45 am
BTRC already enjoys enough independence. On the other hand Major General Manzurul Alam, the Chairman, bought this down upon himself. Don’t know why he keeps insisting in “revenue sharing” from the telecom operators. Its NBR’s job to collect taxes not BTRC.
Miraj K
February 10, 2009, 5:51 pm
it seems the current government may not ratify the amendment that provided the telecom regulator with incredible powers. even the decision by the interim government to turn BTTB [and few other agencies] from a government agency into a public limited company may also be reversed. although it is doubtful there would be a complete reversal, as these corporatization initiatives are part of a broader World Bank/ IMF prescribed policies.
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=75211

in any case, these events combined with other recent actions doesn’t bode well for regulatory certainty in Bangladesh and unduly undermines confidence in the overall reform process.
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=75211

these events combined with other recent actions doesn’t bode well for regulatory certainty in Bangladesh and unduly undermines confidence in the overall reform process.

in another turn of event, the BTRC chairman have ‘resigned’ from his post.
http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=76008&cid=2