The Advisory Council on Wednesday gave final, policy-level approval to the Bangladesh Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, aimed at ensuring that internet and telecommunication services in the country cannot be shut down even for a minute under any circumstances.
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy that modernizing the existing law and preventing internet shutdowns had been given the highest priority. He added that the previous law had been updated and made time-appropriate, explicitly ensuring that internet services in Bangladesh cannot be suspended even for one minute in the future. “The ordinance strongly emphasizes this issue,” he said.
The updated law also strengthens the regulatory framework, consolidating the authority, effectiveness, and accountability of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). According to Shafiqul Alam, customer data privacy and service quality have been ensured, while measures have been taken to prevent fraud and illegal activities, which have increased alarmingly through telecommunications and internet platforms.
He further said the ordinance establishes a clear legal foundation to protect national security and digital infrastructure. It also aims to create an investment-friendly and competitive environment, aligning Bangladesh’s telecom regulations with international standards, including those of the International Telecommunication Union.
Among other provisions, the ordinance proposes forming a Transparency and Accountability Committee to oversee BTRC operations, establishing a technical platform called the Centre for Information Support (CIS), and creating a council led by the law adviser to authorize lawful interception and manage related functions in the interest of state security or public order.
