Dhaka, Feb. 16 -- Experts and stakeholders on Sunday called for urgent reforms in the telecommunications sector to ensure affordable mobile and internet services for all.

Speaking at a discussion on telecommunication sector reforms and good governance, organised by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association at the Jatiya Press Club, they emphasised recognising the internet as a basic necessity and urged the government to reduce VAT and taxes on mobile internet and call rates.

They highlighted that the government currently takes around 60 to 70 percent of the total cost of mobile calls and internet bills through various taxes and VAT.

This, they argued, has led to high consumer costs and limited accessibility.

The discussion als...