GP-BTRC stalemate lingers

Grameenphone yesterday requested the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to withdraw its claims that could cost the mobile operator Tk 3,034 crore.
But the regulator said it would go for legal action if GP does not pay the money in unpaid revenue, accumulated interest payment and tax.
The BTRC and GP sat at a meeting on the audit findings that said the company owes the amount.
After the meeting yesterday, Kazi Monirul Kabir, chief communications officer of GP, reiterated their stance, saying the audit work was done on wrong perception. He said they have not received the audit report yet.
BTRC Chairman Zia Ahmed said GP did not seek the audit report. They may get the report if they want, he said, adding that GP was not prepared to place their arguments and requested the BTRC to sit another day.
However, GP in a statement said a "meaningful discussion" is not possible if the claims are not withdrawn.
Meanwhile, GP issued a legal notice to the audit firm, MA Fazal & Co, asking it to withdraw the report it submitted to the BTRC. The notice said the report caused "pecuniary losses" to GP.