Dhaka, Thursday, December 25, 2025 – Bangladesh to ban internet shutdowns through a new amendment ordinance approved by the Advisory Council on Wednesday. The Bangladesh Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 introduces a permanent prohibition on disrupting internet or telecom services under any circumstances. Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, chaired the meeting.
The reforms address past criticisms of network blackouts. They restore autonomy to the regulator. They enhance privacy protections.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Amendment 2025: Key Provisions
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Amendment 2025 centres on Section 97. This section states that no telecommunication connection or internet access shall be subject to shutdown, disruption, or restriction.
Authorities abolish the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre. They replace it with the Centre for Information Support under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The new body provides technical assistance for lawful interception. It does not conduct monitoring directly.
Lawful interception requires approval from a quasi-judicial council. Role-based access controls apply. Annual reports on interception activities are submitted to parliament.
Misuse of SIM or device registration data for surveillance or harassment becomes punishable under Section 71. Speech-related offences are narrowed to incitement of violence only, aligning with the Cybersecurity Ordinance 2025.
The ordinance lowers high fines from previous frameworks. It adds appeal and arbitration mechanisms for disputes. Public hearings are mandated by the regulator every four months.
Bangladesh Internet Shutdown Prohibition: Historic Shift
Bangladesh’s internet shutdown prohibition marks a direct response to the events of 2024. Prolonged blackouts during protests disrupted economy, education, and daily life.
The provision guarantees uninterrupted connectivity. It positions internet access as essential. Alignment occurs in accordance with the standards of the United Nations and the International Telecommunication Union.
Industry stakeholders welcome the changes. Mobile operators note long-overdue modernisation. The reforms create an investment-friendly environment.
Digital rights advocates view the ban in a positive light. It eliminates executive discretion for nationwide or localised blackouts.
South Asian neighbours observe closely. Frequent shutdowns in the region affect cross-border trade and communication. Bangladesh’s move sets a precedent for rights-based telecom governance.
BTRC Reforms Internet Access and Independence
BTRC reforms internet access through restored institutional balance. The ordinance rolls back the 2010 centralisation.
The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications retains approval for nationally significant licences. These cover major operators, tower companies, and submarine cables. All other licensing returns to BTRC.
A Transparency and Accountability Committee oversees BTRC operations. Conflict-of-interest provisions are enforced strictly.
The changes aim to boost competition. They improve service quality. They attract foreign investment in infrastructure.
Provisions protect image, voice, and personal data. They strengthen citizen safeguards in the digital space.
Background on Telecom Regulation in Bangladesh
The original Bangladesh Telecommunication Act was enacted in 2001. Amendments in 2010 shifted powers to the ministry. Critics argued it reduced regulator independence.
Past governments imposed multiple shutdowns. The 2024 events lasted weeks. They caused significant economic losses. Freelancers, businesses, and exporters suffered heavily.
Public consultations shaped the draft. Stakeholders submitted feedback in November. Multi-ministry reviews followed in-principle approval on November 20.
The ordinance modernises the framework for emerging technologies. It covers OTT services, data centres, and cloud providers indirectly through regulatory clarity.
What’s Next after Bangladesh to Ban Internet Shutdowns
Promulgation expected soon. The President will issue the ordinance. BTRC and the relevant ministries provide guidelines for implementation.
Operators prepare compliance updates. Monitoring mechanisms activate. Parliamentary oversight commences with the submission of the first annual report.
Industry anticipates improved bandwidth pricing. Infrastructure expansion targets underserved areas. Competitive licensing encourages new entrants.
The reforms signal a commitment to driving growth in the digital economy. They balance security needs with rights protections.
Bangladesh to ban internet shutdowns, establishing uninterrupted access as a statutory principle. It reflects evolving governance priorities in the telecom sector. Future enforcement will determine long-term impact.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 25th, 2025
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