Ensuring interoperability of data across all ministries will be a top priority for the government to deliver seamless public services, said Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the newly appointed special assistant to chief adviser with executive authority over the ministry of posts, telecommunications and ICT.

"I have met the chief adviser and there is a clear directive from him to establish interoperability among ministries to streamline service delivery -- achieving data interoperability is my foremost responsibility," he told The Daily Star on Wednesday.

To achieve this, he plans to engage with all ministries to explore digital transformation strategies and implement interoperability for more efficient services.

"I have worked with Muhammad Yunus for a few days now and found that his ideas are focused on simplifying systems to improve public services. I initially started working on ICT initiatives, and now that I have been given executive authority over these ministries, I will accelerate the execution of key reforms."

In November, Taiyeb, an electrical engineering graduate of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, was appointed as ICT policy adviser.

He has extensive experience in the global telecom industry, having worked for companies like Vodafone Ziggo Netherlands, Ericsson and MTN Communications.

He said that he will continue pushing for reforms in the ICT sector.

"For the postal division, digitising the postal system is the biggest challenge, and we are committed to tackling it."

Certain vested business groups have gained undue control over the telecommunications sector and his administration will act swiftly to restore order.

"We will focus on current projects that enhance data speed and will undertake new projects if necessary. The fibre network will be optimised by eliminating monopolistic control, unlocking economic potential and making data more affordable -- something the public has long demanded."

When asked about steps to investigate allegations of massive corruption under the previous administration, Taiyeb revealed that a committee for a white paper on ICT has already been formed, involving ICT experts, legal professionals and journalists.

"They have already started their background work and an official gazette will soon be published to formalise the committee."

Discussions would take place with government advisers regarding the formation of a separate committee to investigate corruption in the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and the Posts and Telecommunications Division.

"In ICT, where I have worked for the past three months, we have paused and suspended several unnecessary and questionable projects."

The white paper committee will also examine corruption in project components and subcomponents.

"Alongside the Anti-Corruption Commission team, which has already begun its work, my priority is to facilitate and extend the highest level of support to their efforts."

When asked about unnecessary licences in the telecommunication sector, Taiyeb said that no businessman would be forced out of the industry.

However, he emphasised the need to dismantle monopolistic structures within the licensing regime.

"This must be addressed at any cost, as without breaking these monopolies, we cannot ensure accessible telecom and ICT services for the people. To achieve this, we will abolish the layers that create monopolistic barriers."

There are two key measures to eliminate monopolies: first, fostering competition where monopolies exist, and second, streamlining the licensing process by reducing the current seven to eight licensing stages to just two or three.

This discussion began during the tenure of former Telecom and ICT Adviser Nahid Islam.

"And I intend to revive it."

Several licenses had been issued but were not yet operational.

"We will take measures to revoke inactive licences and reallocate them to businesses that can actively contribute to the sector."

Regarding the alleged mismanagement of the social obligation fund, Taiyeb emphasised that a stakeholder discussion will be held to evaluate whether a committee should be formed to investigate corruption or policy missteps in handling this significant amount of public money.

When asked whether he would take steps to restore the BTRC's independence, Taiyeb stressed the need for both autonomy and accountability.

"I want to see the BTRC as a capable and independent commission. However, an organisation only becomes truly independent when it is held properly accountable. We may arrange a public hearing to determine how BTRC should be made accountable."

Stakeholders -- including civil society, the judiciary, political parties and businesses -- should participate in the process to ensure both independence and accountability.

During the previous administration, the BTRC chairman, vice chairman and commissioners wielded excessive power, allowing them to violate regulations without oversight.

The BTRC has issued numerous directives that unfairly benefited certain business entities, and many of these directives remain unreviewed.

"If you grant full independence to the BTRC without ensuring accountability, corrupt officials may exploit their authority, undermining the very purpose of providing uninterrupted data and voice services to the public."

In 2010, an amendment to the telecom act stripped BTRC of its authority and transferred power to the ministry. And as the secretary of the ministry serves as a board director for multiple state-run telecom organisations that BTRC regulate, it has been creating regulatory challenges.

The BTRC has been unable to take action against these state-owned entities since the ministry itself became the commission's regulator after the amendment that empowers ministry to preapprove all the key decisions of the BTRC.

Asked about it, Taiyeb said: "There will be an effort to establish a balance of power between the ministry and the BTRC. If the public hearing recommends reducing the secretary's authority in this matter, we will act accordingly."

He emphasised that achieving the right balance would require public engagement.

Addressing concerns over slow reforms and ministry interference in the BTRC's initiatives, he assured that he would closely monitor progress and work to overcome bureaucratic hurdles.