5 November, 2012
To
Advocate Sahara Khatun
Hon’ble Minister
Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications
Bangladesh Secretariat
Dhaka 1000
Subject: Regarding Including us to World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 3-14 December 2012 with Bangladesh Delegation
Dear Hon’ble Minister,
Greetings from Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
BNNRC is in Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council & accredited with UN World Summit on Information Society (UN WSIS).
BNNRC is a national networking body working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable & affordable access to Information & Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) of remote & marginalized population through;
Right to Information for ensuring improved livelihood of the marginalized
ICT for Development for Bridging the Digital Divide in rural areas
Community Radio/Community Television for amplifying voices for the voiceless & Amateur Radio for Disaster Risk Reduction & Telecommunication for Empowerment
Dear Hon’ble Minister,
As you may be aware, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has historically played an important role in the areas of spectrum management, telecommunications regulation, and promoting the use of information and telecommunications technology for development. Yet, we have great concerns regarding the transparency of the WCIT preparatory process and some of the proposed revisions to the International Telecommunication Regulations (ITRs) currently being considered by some ITU member states which could expand the scope of the ITRs to include issues of internet policy.
The continued success of the internet depends on the full, equal, and meaningful participation of multiple stakeholders in technical management of and decision-making for information and communications technology.
Indeed, the Bangladesh government made a commitment to a multi-stakeholder approach to information and communications technology management and decision-making at the UN World Summit on Information Society (UN WSIS)
In line with the WSIS commitments, we respectfully request an open, transparent, and inclusive national consultation to solicit input on proposed amendments to the ITRs from all relevant stakeholders.
To this end, we ask that you release all of Bangladesh proposed revisions to the ITRs for public debate and clarify your stance on whether the scope of the ITRs should be expanded to include areas of internet policy making.
We are particularly concerned with proposals that could impact the exercise of human rights in the digital age, including freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy rights, as well as those that would undermine the openness and integrity of the global internet. We recall the recent UN Human Rights Council resolution which asserted that governments have a duty to protect human rights online.
The undersigned Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
welcome the opportunity to engage with Bangladesh delegation in the preparatory process and at the WCIT itself, consistent with the WSIS commitments.
We urge you to ensure the outcomes of the WCIT truly represent the common interests of all who have a stake in the future of our information society. We hope that we can work together to address these issues in an inclusive and transparent manner.
We look forward to a formal response to this letter.
With best regards,
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for
Radio and Communication
Cc:
Mr. Hasanul Huq Inu, MP
Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Information
Md. Abu Bakar Siddique,
Secretary, Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications
Mr. Sunil Kanti Bose
Chairman, Bangladesh Telecommunication
Regulatory Commission (BTRC)
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