The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has issued a Special Notice confirming a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed wireless communication equipment, carried out jointly with law enforcement agencies in Dhaka and across the country. The commission reports that unlicensed walkie-talkies used by various organizations are being seized, with cases filed at local police stations. BTRC reaffirmed that under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 (Amendment-2026), obtaining spectrum allocation and a wireless device license is mandatory for the use, storage, import, marketing, or operation of any walkie-talkie or wireless communication device. Businesses and individuals operating such equipment without approval now face direct enforcement risk as the campaign continues.
BTRC's Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Telecommunication Equipment
The joint operation between BTRC and law enforcement targets illegal telecommunication equipment and installations in various areas of the country, including Dhaka. During the drives, unlicensed walkie-talkies belonging to businesses and other organizations are being seized, and cases are being filed at local police stations. BTRC has stated the campaign against illegal and unlicensed wireless devices will continue, signaling sustained enforcement rather than a one-time sweep.
Legal Basis: The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 (Amendment-2026)
The enforcement action is grounded in the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, as amended in 2026, which makes it mandatory to obtain both a spectrum allocation and a wireless device license from BTRC before using, storing, importing, marketing, or operating any type of walkie-talkie or wireless communication device. Under the amended framework, using such devices without the required license is classified as a punishable offense.
Who Needs a BTRC Wireless Device License?
BTRC’s notice specifically calls out individuals and commercial institutions, including business establishments, security service providers, hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, warning that no wireless device or walkie-talkie can be used without proper approval and licensing from the commission. This broad scope means the requirement extends well beyond telecom operators to any organization relying on two-way radios for daily operations, such as building security teams, hospitality venues, and retail properties.
What Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors Should Do Now
Companies that manufacture, import, distribute, or supply walkie-talkies and other wireless communication devices in Bangladesh should confirm that spectrum allocation and a wireless device license are secured through BTRC before equipment reaches end users. Distributors supplying sectors named in the notice, including hotels, security firms, restaurants, and shopping malls, should proactively verify their customers’ licensing status, since BTRC’s enforcement approach places responsibility on both the end user and the broader supply chain to ensure compliance with the amended Telecommunication Regulation Act.
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Quick Country Facts
Bangladesh
Certification Body: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission
Certification Type: Voluntary
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Importer
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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