‘Investment highly uncertain’
Telenor wants Grameen Bank issue solution before 3G
Muhammad Zahidul Islam
Country’s largest mobile operator Grameenphone is not in comfort about their license regarding the Grameen Bank Commission report. And they want a solution before filling application of 3G auction, sources said.
Recently Norwegian Trade and Industry minister Trond Giske sent a letter to commerce minister GM Qader and it also mention some issues on it.
“I trust on the government of Bangladesh will do its best to resolve this matter in a fair and open manner, so that Telenor’s and GP’s significant long-term investments not harmed,” the letter said.
Trond Giske came Bangladesh first week of April and he meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Finance minister Abul Mal Abdul Muhith, Foreign minister Dr. Dipu Moni, Telecommunication minister Advocate Shahara Khatune, Commerce minister Ghulam Muhammad Quader, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Sunil Kanti Boss and others.
Norwegian minister also said, they would like to take participation on upcoming 3G auction, but unfortunately they found the framework conditions for investing are highly uncertain due to the interim report from the Grameen Bank Commission report.
Earlier, 3G auction date was scheduled June 24; now shifted it to July 31. 12 June is the last date of filling application for it.
Grameenphone board chairman and Executive vice-president of Telenor Sigve Breakke frequently visiting Bangladesh. Last week he meet Telecommunication minister, BTRC chairman, Commerce secretary and he will again come again 2 June to meet with finance minister and some other high officials about the mater. Last two months he visited Bangladesh at list five times on same issue.
Sources said, before go for 3G Grameenphone bord and Telenor want to be confirm, that they will not be part of Grameen Bank Commission report.
Norwegian minister also told in his letter, “Telenor has not been a party in the review by Grameen Bank Commission, as it relates to matters between the Bangladeshi government and Grameen Bank.”
Sigve Breakke’s visit on Wednesday he also told in his close circle that they need this confirmation for going for 3G.
Back in March, he told journalist that they were concern about their license and will not take part in the upcoming 3G auction if some uncertainties the telecom industry faces currently are unresolved.
Sigve Brekke also told, there are so many unclear issues. There are several uncertainties that the whole industry is concerned about.
Grameenphone sources said, Sigve Breakke will meet journalist when he come next week and again clear their position.
On the other hand Mahmud Hossain, chief corporate affairs officer of Grameenphon told the Dhaka Tribune, “Rather than that issues lots of industry’s concern have already, so we are going to meet with BTRC chairman this week and trying for finance minister.”
He said, Grameenphone haven’t take any clear decision to take participation in 3G auction or not. For that they need to wait until resolving the issues.
Telenor, a Norwegian governmentowned company, owns 55.8% share of Grameenphone. Grameen Telecom owns 34.2% and rest of the 10% share belong to general retail and institutional investors.
Earlier, Grameen Bank commission interim report revealed that a total of Tk. 96 billion laundered by the Grameenphone during last 15 years which might get (then 20% owner) of Grameen Telecom.
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