BMPCA Demands Probe into Illegal VoIP Racket Affecting Bangladesh Telecom Sector

Dhaka, July 26, 2026 — The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association (BMPCA) has expressed deep concern over the detection of thousands of SIMs used in illegal VoIP activities, which led the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to impose approximately Tk 8.68 crore in administrative fines on four mobile operators. 📞

📊 BTRC Action Details

• 💰 Total fine: Tk 8.68 crore (administrative fines)
• 🏛 Regulator: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC)
• 📞 Violation: Thousands of SIMs used for illegal VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) activities
• 👥 Operators fined: Four mobile operators
• 📋 BMPCA demand: Full investigation into the illegal VoIP racket

🌏 How Illegal VoIP Works

📞 Illegal VoIP operations involve using SIM cards to terminate international calls through internet protocol, bypassing legal international gateway operators. ⚠ This practice:

• 💰 Causes revenue losses for the government and legitimate telecom operators
• 🏛 Deprives the government of regulatory fees and taxes on international calls
• 👥 Undercuts legitimate operators who invest in proper infrastructure
• 🔍 Creates security risks — unmonitored communication channels can be used for illegal activities

👥 BMPCA's Statement

🤝 In a statement, the BMPCA said the detection of thousands of illegal VoIP SIMs raised serious questions about how such large-scale operations could go undetected. ⚠ The association called for:

• 🔍 A thorough investigation into the VoIP racket
• 🏛 Stronger enforcement by the BTRC to prevent future violations
• 📋 Accountability for those responsible for facilitating illegal VoIP operations
• 📞 Consumer protection — ensuring legitimate consumers are not affected by enforcement actions

📈 Impact on Telecom Sector

📊 The BTRC fines send a strong signal that regulatory violations will be punished, but the BMPCA believes more comprehensive action is needed to root out the systemic issues enabling illegal VoIP operations. ⚠

🌏 The telecom sector is a critical part of Bangladesh's digital economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. 💻 Stronger enforcement against illegal VoIP is essential for maintaining the integrity of the telecom sector and protecting the revenue of legitimate operators who invest billions in infrastructure.

📞 Bangladesh has been working to digitize its economy and expand telecom services to all citizens. However, illegal VoIP operations undermine these efforts by diverting revenue away from legitimate operators and the government. 📈 The BMPCA's demand for a full investigation reflects growing consumer and regulatory concern about the scale of these illegal operations.