BTRC
Mobile users to receive SMS-notifications in Bangla from telecom operators
Telecom operators will send all SMS or notifications in Bangla text on the occasion of International Mother Tongue Day.
Telecom Minister Mustafa Jabbar inaugurated the service at an event at the conference room of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Sunday.
The Minister said that 91 percent of the technical activities related to sending SMS in Bangla by all the operators have already been completed. He also called on all operators to complete the remaining nine per cent work by June.
BTRC Chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder said that 16 types of mobile SMS / notifications will be sent in Bengali.
BTRC Vice-Chairman Subrata Roy Maitra said that Bangla typing system has already been introduced in all mobile handsets and SMS service has been launched in Bangla for customers at half cost.
Also read: Nation to pay heartfelt tributes to language martyrs Monday
Mentioning that many customers do not understand if a message is sent in English, he said that all Bangla speaking people will benefit from the introduction of SMS in Bangla.
Director General (Systems and Services) of BTRC Brigadier General Md Nasim Parvez presented the activities related to the introduction of SMS service in Bangla in detail.
He said that Banglalink is at the forefront in sending Bangla SMS to the customers as five per cent of the company's work is still left. Grameenphone is in the next position completing 90 percent of the work of sending SMS in Bangla.
Meanwhile, state-owned operator Teletalk has completed 85 per cent of the work while Robi 78 per cent operations.
At present, 151.85 crore daily text messages are delivered to the subscribers, he added.
Secretary of Posts and Telecommunications Division Md Khalilur Rahman said the government is trying to make Bengali the official language of the United Nations.
The Posts and Telecommunications Division has taken initiative to convert most of the laws printed in English of this Ministry into Bangla.
Also read: Int’l seminar on language in London on Monday
Commissioner of Engineering and Operations Department of BTRC Engineer Mohiuddin Ahmed, Commissioner of Legal and Licensing Department of BTRC Abu Syed Diljar Hussain, Director General (Spectrum) Brigadier General Md Moniruzzaman Jewel, Director General (Finance, Accounts and Revenue) Engineer Md Mesbahuzzaman and other senior officials of BTRC and mobile operators were present at the event.
HC forms committee to supervise BTRC’s activities to solve mobile service issues
The High Court on Sunday formed a five-member committee to observe the activities of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s (BTRC) complaint cell in solving mobile network, internet related issues and customer complaints.
The court directed the committee to submit a report within 30 days of receiving the order.
A bench of Justice Mamnoon Rahman and Khandaker Diliruzzaman passed the order issuing a rule during a hearing on a writ petition filed in this regard.
The court asked to form the committee comprising secretaries of Posts and Telecommunications Division, and Information and Communication Technology Division, BTRC chairman, a teacher from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and a representative from Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB).
Also read: AMTOB calls for revision of SD in mobile services
The court directed the country’s mobile operators to ensure clear voice call, high speed internet and stable mobile network to reduce the sufferings like call drops and disconnection of calls due to weak network.
In the rule, the court questioned why the respondents’ inactivity in providing clear sound, strong network and stable internet service as promised in advertisements shown in electronic media, national dailies and broadcast media will not be announced illegal.
The court also asked to ensure complete use of mobile data packs purchased by a customer, why direction will not be given to cancel the expiry date provided by the mobile operators and to allow the customers to use the data entirely.
Secretary of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, BTRC, BTRC Chairman, Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman, Banglalink CEO Erik Aas, Robi CEO Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, and Teletalk CEO Md. Shahab Uddin was made respondents to the rule.
Also read: 4G mobile services not available outside Dhaka: BTRC
The seven respondents were asked to reply to the rule within four weeks.
Saifur Rahman Rahi, a Supreme Court lawyer and customer of the four mobile operators filed the writ petition seeking rule and direction of the High Court.
On January 5, the petitioner submitted a complaint at BTRC regarding sufferings due to call drop, weak network and internet data expiry date.
On January 10, he sent a legal notice after his problems were not redressed by the BTRC complaint cell.
Getting no reply from the respondents Rahi later filed the writ petition, said M A Masum , the lawyer who presented petitioner’s side
“There is doubt about the BTRC complaint cell’s proper functioning as the mobile operator customer’s sufferings are not being solved even after complaint. So a committee to supervise its activity was sought in the petition,” the lawyer told journalists.
GP’s call drops decrease but continue to be highest, says BTRC Chairman
Grameenphone continues to have the highest number of call drops in Bangladesh though it has declined a little following pressures, said Bangladesh Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder on Thursday.
“I myself is a sufferer of the poor network as a mobile user and my woes are greater as I am responsible to ensure quality service to 17 crore people of the country,” the BTRC chairman told the journalists of Telecom Reporters' Network Bangladesh (TRNB) at the BTRC head office.
BTRC is conducting test drives at 300 upazilas to ease the problem of poor network and call drops, he said.
Read HC forms committee to supervise BTRC’s activities to solve mobile service issues
Already the test drive has been completed in 227 Upazilas covering an area of `12,800 kilometers, said Shyam Sunder.
He said according to the test drive report from Rangpur, mobile users are facing the worst situation of call drops from all the telecom operators.
“We have continued our pressure on the telecom operators by sending letters and instructions on a regular basis along with the drive,” he said.
Read Genex Infosys to operate BTRC helpline, provide AI chatbot services
He said two high-profile committees have been formed led by the vice-chairman and commissioner.
Data is being collected from the operator offices and fields and they are being informed about their network service condition as there are issues with data forwarding too, said the BTRC head.
“On March 8, we last auctioned network spectrums to the operators and aim to auction three more spectrums of-2.3, 2.6, and 3.5 megahertz again in March 2022”, he said.
Read How to Check Official Phone Using BTRC IMEI Number?
The BTRC scheduled the auction in December but it was postponed at the request of the operators, he said.
HC orders removal of objectionable audios, videos of junior minister Murad from social media
The High Court on Tuesday directed Bangladesh's telecom regulator to take necessary steps to remove all objectionable audios and videos of State Minister for Information Murad Hassan from social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
A division bench of Justices M Enayetur Rahim and Md Mostafizur Rahman gave the order to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and also asked Deputy Attorney General Bipul Bagmar to submit an action-taken report by Wednesday morning, in the wake of a plea by a leading Supreme Court lawyer.
In his petition, barrister Syed Sayedul Haque Suman claimed that such "indecent, obscene audios and videos can have adverse effects on the society”.
“The responsible agencies of the government should have removed these contents but as they did not, I’ve sought the High Court’s direction in public interest," he said in his plea.
Also read: PM asked junior minister Murad to resign by Tuesday: Obaidul Quader
During a recent social media interview, the junior Minister made "derogatory" remarks on opposition BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman.
Meanwhile, a two-year-old phone conversation of the state minister with actor Mamnun Hasan Emon and actress Mahiya Mahi recently went viral on social media. In that audio clip, Murad made "derogatory comments" on the actress, threatened her and gave her an alleged indecent proposal.
On Monday night, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked Murad to resign from the cabinet by Tuesday over his recent derogatory remarks on social media, according to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader.
Also read: BNP seeks junior minister Murad’s resignation, his apology
BNP on Monday demanded that the junior minister give a public apology and withdraw his “politically motivated, racial and derogatory” remarks against women and the Zia family.
Walton's countrywide mobile fest begins
Walton has started a countrywide mobile fest to create awareness about the purchase of legal and registered mobile phones made in Bangladesh and promote the company's phones.
The month-long mobile fest started in the capital's Kamrangir Char on November 17.
Read Walton launches 'Budget Boss' handset GH11 with triple rear camera
Wasik Jahan Eshan, the marketing coordinator of Walton Mobile, said: "International-standard handsets are now being manufactured in Bangladesh with advanced technologies and the latest features. These phones are being registered following the direction of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC)."
The ongoing mobile fest is trying to raise awareness among people so that they purchase and use registered and valid handsets, according to a media statement.
Read Walton sells Tk127 crore electrical appliances in March: New record for the company
How to Check Official Phone Using BTRC IMEI Number?
The BTRC issued a statement in August 2021 detailing the unlawfully acquired and imported cell phones. Furthermore, freshly imported unlawful handsets will be removed from the local network through the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR). Anyone can verify and check the BTRC IMEI code of his smartphone to protect their device from becoming obsolete. This article will give a step-by-step process of verifying the IMEI number of a handset.
What is an IMEI Number?
The term IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, a unique number used to recognize a mobile phone on a network. It's like a social security number, except it's given to a phone. An IMEI number comprises 15 digits and is assigned to all GSM phones. The BTRC IMEI is the IMEI number that is given or assigned by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
Read Why are Smartphone Makers Increasing Prices?
They have created a database in order to store IMEI numbers, which mobile service providers may access. The user does not need to register the IMEI number they are currently using until June 30, 2021. Over ten million cell phone IMEI numbers have already been registered.
How to Check Official Phone Using BTRC IMEI Number?
So, smartphone buyers should know how to check or verify their BTRC IMEI. Because before purchasing a new smartphone, verify the IMEI of the device with the BTRC to determine whether it was imported illegally and legally in Bangladesh.
People can perform a BTRC IMEI status check following these simple steps:
Find the IMEI of a Smartphone
First, dial a general code *#06#. It will show the 15-digit code, also known as the IMEI number. Every phone has a unique IMEI number. Users will need this number to further check their BTRC IMEI.
Read How to Recognize a Clone Smartphone?
Send a Short Message to BTRC to Verify IMEI
This step requires users to go to their message option and type below term
KYD 15 Digit IMEI
Send the SMS to 16002
Wait for Getting a Verification SMS from BTRC
After sending the request, users will promptly get an instant SMS from the BTRC’s end. This SMS will inform them whether their smartphones have been imported legally or not.
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Conclusion
Finally, a crucial reminder for the users is that to register or verify the IMEI number, they should keep the BTRC IMEI verification number safe. Additionally, they should ensure that they do not divulge their IMEI number to a single person. Shady people routinely add a real IMEI number to an illegal or stolen device in order to prevent it from being blacklisted. This is highly prohibited in many countries.
Illegal phones to expire Friday with dying SMS
All types of illegal mobile phone sets in Bangladesh will shut off automatically from Friday with an SMS notification to the users, the country’s telecommunications regulator said Thursday.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has taken the decision to stop the use of illegally imported mobile phones.
According to a statement circulated Thursday, BTRC has ensured the receipt or delivery of various government services through registration of each mobile phone by tagging with NID card and registered SIM card, ensuring collection of government revenue by stopping the use of illegally produced or imported mobiles, prevention of theft and misuse of used mobiles.
Read: BTRC shuts 59 unregistered, illegal IPTVs
The National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) was launched on 1 July to prevent theft and misuse of mobile phones and to provide assistance to law enforcement agencies for the sake of national security, added the BTRC release.
In this regard, the BTRC requested customers to check the validity by sending an SMS – KYD and 15 digit IMEI number from the message option (example - KYD 123456789012345) – to 16002 before buying a new handset.
Read: BTRC reminds users of least-promoted service: 'Do Not Disturb' for promo texts!
They also requested users to complete the registration through http://www.neir.btrc.gov.bd before using legally imported or purchased or gifted mobile phones.
At the same time, the commission urged importers and local mobile phone handset manufacturers not to produce or sell illegal mobile phones. It also requested the vendors to refrain from selling illegal phone sets.
High Court dismisses plea for probe into leaked phone conversations
The High Court on Wednesday rejected a writ petition seeking an immediate probe into leaked telephonic conversations.
The petition was dismissed by a division bench of justices M Enayetur Rahim and Md Mostafizur Rahman.
Advocate Mohamamd Shishir Monir appeared for the petitioner while attorney general AM Amin Uddin and advocate Khandaker Reza-e-Rakib represented the state and the Bangladesh Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission (BTRC), respectively.
Read: HC wants to know steps taken to prevent money laundering by e-commerce firms
On August 10, a group of 10 Supreme Court lawyers filed a writ petition in the High Court seeking an investigation into leaked telephonic conversations.
Posts and Telecommunications department Secretary, Information and Communications department Secretary, Telecommunications and Information Technology Secretary, and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission chairman were made respondents to the petition.
UNB has learnt that the petitioners cited 20 high-profile instances of leaked telephonic conversations between 2013 and 2021 in their petition.
Conversations between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and then Opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia, between General Secretary of Awami League Obaidul Quader and BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, between late senior lawyer Barrister Moudud Ahmed and Assistant Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Nazmul Hasan were some of the notable instances cited by the petitioners.
Read: HC orders closure of unauthorized microcredit institutions
Privacy of personal communications has been guaranteed under Article 43 of the Bangladeshi Constitution and it is a fundamental right of the citizens, according to the Supreme Court lawyers.
Besides, Section 30 (f) of the Telecommunications Regulation Act, 2001, ensures privacy of phone conversations, they had pointed out. And according to Section 71 of the same act, "phone tapping is a punishable offence".
A person convicted of this crime can be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail or fined Tk 5 crore.
BTRC gets 14 days more to shut unregistered news portals
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) got 14 more days from the High Court to shut the unregistered news portals.
According to the court’s order the deadline for closing all unregistered online news portals was today but BTRC didn’t receive a list of those portals from the Ministry of Information on time, Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar told UNB.
To avoid contempt of court and maintain the deadline BTRC itself made a list and started closing unregistered news portals today and few registered ones got closed during the process,” said the minister.
Read: BTRC shuts 59 unregistered, illegal IPTVs
Later the registered news portals were opened and 14 more days were sought from the court to close the unregistered ones,he said.
“The Information Minister has said a list of unregistered online news portals will be sent within two or three days from the ministry and BTRC will start the closure process accordingly,” said Mustafa Jabbar.
On September 14, a High Court bench ordered to shut all the unregistered online news portals within a week and asked BTRC and Bangladesh press Council to take action accordingly.
Read: BTRC reminds users of least-promoted service: 'Do Not Disturb' for promo texts!
On August 16, the High Court issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why directives should not be given to shut down the unauthorized news portals.
The HC also sought to know why the directives should not be given to take steps in forming a ‘Broadcasting Commission’ as per the National Broadcasting Policy-2014.
BTRC shuts 59 unregistered, illegal IPTVs
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has shut 59 unregistered and illegal Internet Protocol Televisions (IPTVs ).
The commission in a notification issued Sunday said those IPTVs have no connection with the Internet Service Provider (ISP) approved for IP-based data service.
IPTV is the process through which contents published in television are broadcast using internet protocol network.
BRTC only allows licensed ISP institutions to provide IP-based data services like- streaming service, IP-TV , video-on-demand, said the notice.
Read: Action against unregistered news portals, IPTVs soon, says Hasan Mahmud
The approved ISP operators are allowed to show the internet broadcast of the satellite TV channels approved by the information ministry to only their customers.
However, the agreement, approval or release to broadcast a particular channel, content or program has to be collected from the concerned institutions, said the BTRC.
Recently some unscrupulous traders are illegally buying domains and showing IPTV through Facebook, YouTube channels which violates the Telecommunication Act, said the notice.