GP offers free talk-time, data, low tariff, credit as Corona support

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DHAKA, May 8, 2020 (BSS) – Grameenphone today announced new initiatives to
stand by health professionals, customers and retailers fighting the deadly
COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

Chief executive officer of the country’s leading mobile phone operator,
Yasir Azman at a virtual press conference unveiled a total of Taka 100 crore
package which include 10 crore free talk-time, 30gb data at Taka 1 for
physician, 48 paisha call rate, cent percent data bonus and Taka 10 crore
safety-net credit along with the ongoing efforts.

“None has ever predicted this crisis and how it may take a toll on our
lives. It is high time to come together – with patience, understanding and
compassion,” said Yasir Azman.

In continuation of its support to frontline medical workers, this time
Grameenphone (GP) will extend further support to 25,000 doctors certified by
Directorate General of Health Services(DGHS).

GP will offer monthly 30gb data for next six-month with a token of Taka 1
per month to the physicians.

Besides, GP is distributing a total of 10 crore free minutes talk-time to
its 1 crore identified prepaid customers (10 mins for per customer) who could
not recharge in April or having a mere balance to keep them connected to
their near and dear.

Moreover, GP introduced 48 paisha per minute call-rate from 8am to 12pm
for its 7.5 crore customers during the crisis period.

GP also assessed a growing data need during this countrywide holiday. As
the whole economy, business, and emergency services running on connectivity,
GP announced a 100 percent data bonus addressing those needs on all weekly
data packs purchased through MyGP app.

In addition, GP acknowledging contribution of its retailers declared a
safety-net credit scheme of Taka 10 crore for the most affected to help them
overcome these difficult times.

“This is a test for all of us and I believe in united, it is possible to
tackle the ongoing challenges,” said GP CEO, adding, “I genuinely am
encouraged to seeing the collective efforts by government, development
partners and industry in response to COVID-19.”

GP chief market officer Mohammad Sajjad Hasib and head of communications
Khairul Basher briefed the COVID-19 responses.

Earlier, GP also contributed Taka 15 crore to support 100,000 ultra-poor
families through its joint effort with Brac, “Dakche Amar Desh” and also
distributing PPEs to DGHS selected hospitals.