ZCZC
BSS-22
GP-BTRC-AUDIT-PAYMENT
GP pays outstanding Tk 1,000cr to BTRC
DHAKA, May 19, 2020 (BSS) – Country’s leading mobile phone operator
Grameenphone today deposited another installment of Taka 1,000 crore to
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) as part of its
outstanding due of Taka 12,580 crore unearthed by audit.
The operator handed over a pay order of the amount to BTRC before the
stipulated time of May 31, 2020 following the directive of the Appellate
Division passed on February 20 to escape any regulatory measures.
“We’ve deposited the money before the stipulated time complying with the
law,” said Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Yasir Azman in a virtual
briefing.
Grameenphone had previously deposited Taka 1,000 crore to BTRC on February
23 complying with the court order for a total adjustable payment of Taka
2,000 crore to the regulator.
BTRC Chairman Md Jahurul Haque, after receiving the pay order, said they
want to continue work with Grameenphone in an amicable manner.
Replying to a query on solution of the audit claim, he said “We would sit
together to come to a decision to finish the process.”
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/GA/1605 Hrs