Telcos allege disruption of services by law enforcers

Mobile phone operators in Bangladesh on Wednesday alleged that they are facing disruption from law enforcement agencies while providing services during the ongoing general holiday declared to curb the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

Raising the issue, the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) sought assistance from the government, especially from the law enforcement agencies, so that the telecom operators can provide uninterrupted services to the people during the holiday.

A press release issued by the AMTOB read, "In the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, telecom has been declared as an emergency service, and following the government's instructions, mobile network operators have been providing uninterrupted services across the country."

"However, in some places, officials and representatives of the mobile network operators faced challenges from the law enforcement agencies during their official work, including network management, recharge and distribution, and customer service."

The AMTOB requested the law enforcement agencies to communicate with their field officials so that the mobile operators can provide uninterrupted services across the country and keep their offices open without any disruption.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission regulates the operators.

Responding to a query, its chairman Md Jahirul Haque said, "Operators will not face any more problems as the law enforcing agencies have been given instructions regarding the essential service providers."

The Cabinet Division and the Ministry of Public Administration have declared utility services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, cleaning operations, telephone and internet as emergency services during the 10-day holiday from Thursday.