Under the Auspices of South Asia Mobile Forum, the PSTN & Mobile operators of Bangladesh had a round table discussion on “National Development and Telecommunication” on 5^th April, 2009. The key telecom industry players were present in this discussion. The discussion was presided by the Chairman of South Asia Mobile Forum Mr. Mehboob Chowdhury. The industry players said Bangladesh is having the highest Taxation on the Mobile SIMs and the spectrum policies of Bangladesh as well as the Roll out target and the Bank guarantee for the PSTN operators are also way too much high. To have a healthy telecom sector, the government needs to look at these issues and they should act as per the international market.

Other speakers also stated the same issues where they expressed their fear about these alarming problems and requested South Asia Mobile Forum to convey these messages to the government of Bangladesh and BTRC(Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission) from the neutral stand.

Mr. Mehboob Chowdhury , the chair of South Asia Mobile Forum said “ we will do our best to convey these messages to the proper Authority” He also said SAMF helps to understand the needs of the operators and other stake holders and take it to the Regulators  for better understanding and smooth development of the sector. At the same time, it will also understand the points of view of the Regulators and explain the needs of the Regulators to the Operators and other stake holders. It will also encourage participation of the Regulatory Body and its members are various events and forums for building a harmonious relationship and of better understanding.