Bangladesh mobile operators owe $1.2 billion in revenue: Minister

Bangladesh's mobile operators are facing substantial outstanding revenue debts totaling Tk 13,144 crore, as revealed by Post and Telecommunications Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam in parliament. The minister detailed the amounts owed by each of the four major operators, highlighting Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd's significant debt of Tk 5,954 crore, which includes license fees, revenue sharing, and spectrum fees. A proposal to convert Tk 5,554 crore of Teletalk's dues into equity is currently under review by the finance ministry.

“

The country’s four mobile operators owe a total of Tk 13,144 crore in outstanding revenue.

Grameenphone faces the largest individual debt, owing Tk 6,101.82 crore. The operator initially incurred claims of Tk 8,494.01 crore following an audit, but has since paid Tk 2,000 crore under court directives and an additional Tk 392.19 crore in a VAT-related case. The remaining amount is subject to ongoing High Court proceedings.

“

Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd owes Tk 5,954 crore in licence fees, revenue sharing, spectrum fees, administrative fines and contributions to the social responsibility fund.

Robi Axiata and Banglalink also have outstanding dues stemming from audit objections. Robi owes Tk 678 crore, having paid Tk 138 crore under court orders, with the case still before the High Court. Banglalink owes Tk 430 crore after paying Tk 381 crore towards audit claims and a VAT verdict, with its case also pending in court. The government is pursuing recovery of these substantial debts through various legal and administrative channels.

“

Teletalk’s application to convert Tk 5,554 crore of the dues into equity is under consideration by the finance ministry.