Earlier, the government had amended the Telecom Act in 2006 and 2010, amending some sections. This time the draft included almost everything from the previous Act. However, the proposed law does not mention whether the previous Act would be repealed.
It only states that the Telegraph Act 1885 and the Wireless Act 1933 will be abolished. However, if any of the provisions or anything in the two Acts mentioned are consistent with the proposed Act, they can be implemented.
Asked about the draft, state Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Junaid Ahmed Palak told Prothom Alo, “It (the draft) has not been finalized yet and is being discussed with stakeholders ”
He further said, “Fourteen years have passed since the last amendment (of the existing Act). Many technical changes have been brought in meanwhile. The new Act is really required for the Smart Bangladesh vision and the demands of the present times.”
On the subject of abolishing the previous Act, he said that a decision will be taken after discussion and proposal as to what will happen to the previous Act.
Notable changes brought in the draft include including all types of telecommunication services, including social media, online platforms, cell broadcasting and Internet Protocol (IP) based services, under the jurisdiction of the Act.
