Bangladesh Government Claims 13 Billion Taka in Unpaid Dues from Telecom Operators

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The Bangladesh government is seeking 13.14 billion taka in outstanding revenue from the nation’s four mobile network operators, according to a statement delivered to parliament by Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam. The state-owned provider Teletalk and three private operators collectively owe the government significant sums, with Grameenphone leading the list at 6.10 billion taka, followed by Teletalk at 5.95 billion taka, Robi at 615 million taka, and Banglalink at 473 million taka.

In response to the government’s claim, the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) asserted that the figures cited do not represent straightforward arrears. In a press release issued Saturday, the industry body argued that the disputed amounts stem from complex issues regarding Value Added Tax (VAT), revenue-sharing calculations, audit objections, and differing interpretations of licensing conditions.

AMTOB contended that mobile operators have faced challenges in securing input tax credits due to complexities in obtaining necessary VAT challans, even after fulfilling various payment obligations to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Furthermore, the organization noted that imposing VAT on revenue-sharing funds has created the risk of double taxation, complicating the financial landscape for the sector.

A significant portion of the government’s claim is rooted in audit objections arising from conflicting interpretations of license terms, many of which are currently being adjudicated in court. AMTOB emphasized that pursuing legal recourse is a standard mechanism for dispute resolution and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to evade financial responsibilities.

The industry organization stated that labeling these disputed items as final arrears does not accurately reflect the current situation. Calling for increased transparency and regulatory certainty, AMTOB urged the government and telecommunications regulators to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve these long-standing legal and financial impasses.