NN Online:
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has directed all mobile operators to provide 1GB of free internet to subscribers on July 18 in observance of “Free Internet Day,” commemorating the July Uprising.
The directive was issued following a BTRC meeting held on July 8, chaired by the commission’s vice chairman. The move is part of the government’s broader initiative to honour those affected during last year’s events and to promote digital freedom.
Confirming the development, senior officials from major telecom operators said they had received formal instructions from the regulator. Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer at Banglalink, told BSS: “We respect and support the initiative to honour those who lost their lives last July. We’ve received the request and are evaluating its feasibility, along with exploring additional ways to commemorate the occasion through our digital platform Toffee.”
Shahed Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer at Robi Axiata Limited, emphasized the need for flexibility in such matters, saying, “Decisions on offering bonus data or gifts are fundamentally commercial. Operators should be allowed to assess such steps based on factors like network capacity and user demand.”
This year’s observance holds special significance, marking the first anniversary of the internet shutdown imposed by the previous Sheikh Hasina-led administration on July 18, 2024, amid a violent crackdown on quota reform protests. The unrest ultimately led to her resignation weeks later in early August.
As per the BTRC order, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications instructed the commission to carry out the initiative in line with public sentiment and to reaffirm the right to digital access. Operators have been asked to inform users through advance SMS notifications and to ensure smooth implementation.
The suggested message reads: “No one will take away the freedom to use the internet. On the occasion of July Uprising Day, you are receiving 1GB of data on July 18, valid for 5 days.”
BTRC described the move as a symbolic gesture reflecting the values of the July Uprising and the spirit of digital empowerment. However, industry insiders pointed out that mobile companies are still liable to pay taxes on the free data.
“The government must clarify whether the 1GB of data will be tax-exempt,” said one senior official, adding that operators would also have to bear the costs of network usage and service delivery. “BTRC should specify if other stakeholders will support this effort,” the official added.
