A report alleges that 153 officials appointed to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) during the past 15 years under the Awami League government remain in their positions despite questions about their legality. Many were reportedly hired without proper qualifications, competitive exams, or within the legal age limits, often through political recommendations. The appointments allegedly violated government recruitment rules and the 2001 Telecommunications Act. A 2023 compliance audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General raised objections over these irregularities, but no corrective action has been taken.

Sources cited in the report claim that after the July uprising and the formation of the caretaker government, other sectors saw promotions for long-deprived officials, but BTRC did not. Over one-third of its 355 permanent staff are said to hold illegal appointments, while more than 50 positions remain vacant. Some of the disputed appointees are reportedly lobbying for promotions. A three-member committee was formed to investigate, but it has yet to submit a report.

The report suggests that political influence and administrative irregularities have hindered BTRC’s intended role as an independent regulator of the telecommunications sector.