ZCZC
BSS-38
GP-BTRC-AUDIT-PAYMENT
GP to pay outstanding Tk 1,000cr to BTRC tomorrow
DHAKA, May 18, 2020 (BSS) – The country’s leading mobile phone
operator, Grameenphone, would deposit another installment of Taka
1,000 crore to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
(BTRC) tomorrow as part of outstanding due of Taka 12,580 crore
unearthed by audit.
The operator is going to make the payment within May 31, 2020
following the directive of the Appellate Division on February 20 to
escape any regulatory measures.
“Grameenphone respects the legal system of Bangladesh, Supreme
Court’s direction and looks forward to continued court protection to
run regular business operations,” said a statement of the operator
today.
It had previously deposited Taka 1,000 crore to BTRC on February 23
last complying the directive for a total adjustable payment of Taka
2,000 crore to the regulator.
Grameenphone said with this balance adjustable deposit, it will
have fully complied with the court directions relating to the
injunction.
The Grameenphone statement also appreciated the recent collaboration
with the regulator and looks forward to continued cooperation to fully
restore normal operations.
The Appellate Division’s order came in response to a review
petition filed by Grameenphone earlier on January 26 to allow it to
pay Taka 575 crore in twelve equal installments.
The review petition was filed after the apex court had directed
Grameenphone on November 24 last year to pay Taka 2,000 crore to BTRC
within three months (by February 23) against the demand of Taka
12,579.96 crore dug out by audit.
Grameenphone and Robi, the second largest mobile phone operator,
were engaged in a virtual scuffle with BTRC over financial and
technical audit to the operators’ book since their inception up to
2015.
Earlier, in another order, the Appellate Division asked Robi Axiata
Limited to pay in equal five installments in five months Taka 138
crore out of BTRC’s demand amounting to Taka 867.23 crore.
Robi complied with the order paying on January 14 the first
installment, 17 days ahead of the expiry of the deadline.
BSS/MAK/MRU/1820hrs