GP to pay outstanding Tk 10b to BTRC Tuesday
The country’s leading mobile phone operator, Grameenphone, would deposit another installment of Tk 10 billion to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) tomorrow as part of outstanding due of Tk 125.80 billion unearthed by audit.
The operator is going to make the payment within 31 May 2020 following the directive of the Appellate Division on 20 February 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 on Monday.
It had previously deposited Tk 10 billion to BTRC on 23 February last complying the directive for a total adjustable payment of Tk 20 billion 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 26 January to allow it to pay Tk 5.75 billion in twelve equal installments.
The review petition was filed after the apex court had directed Grameenphone on 24 November last year to pay Tk 20 billion to BTRC within three months (by 23 February) against the demand of Tk 125.80 billion 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 Tk 1.38 billion out of BTRC’s demand amounting to Tk 8.67 billion.
Robi complied with the order paying on 14 January the first installment, 17 days ahead of the expiry of the deadline.