Bangladesh’s four mobile phone operators owe the government a combined Tk13,344 crore in outstanding payments, according to information presented in parliament on Wednesday.
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam disclosed the figures during the question-and-answer session in response to a query from lawmaker Lutfur Rahman of Cox’s Bazar-3 constituency.
The minister said, "The unpaid amounts relate to a range of financial obligations, including licence fees, spectrum charges, revenue-sharing payments, administrative penalties, contributions to the Social Obligation Fund (SOF), and claims arising from audit observations.”
Among the operators, state-owned Teletalk Bangladesh Limited owes Tk5,954 crore. The liabilities include unpaid licence fees, spectrum-related charges and revenue-sharing obligations that have remained unresolved over several years.
Private operator Grameenphone accounts for the largest share of outstanding claims among the commercial telecom companies, with dues amounting to Tk6,102 crore.
According to the minister, much of the disputed amount is linked to information systems audit findings and value-added tax-related issues. Several cases concerning these claims are currently awaiting decisions in the higher courts.
Robi Axiata Limited owes Tk615 crore, while Banglalink Digital Communications Limited has outstanding liabilities of Tk473 crore.
The claims against both operators are largely connected to audit observations and disputes over revenue-sharing arrangements, which are also subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
The minister told parliament that efforts to recover the outstanding funds have been slowed by lengthy court processes.
A significant portion of the claims remains under judicial review, particularly those involving audit objections and disagreements over revenue-sharing calculations.
The unresolved disputes have left a substantial amount of potential government revenue tied up in litigation, delaying final settlement and recovery of the dues.
The latest figures highlight the continuing challenges facing Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector, where regulatory claims and legal disputes have become a key factor affecting revenue collection from mobile operators.
