HC asks why excessive service charges of bKash, Nagad, and Rocket are not illegal
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The High Court has issued a rule asking why the arbitrary and excessive service charges imposed on customers by mobile financial service (MFS) providers bKash, Nagad, and Rocket should not be declared illegal, unconstitutional, and unlawful.
The rule also asks why a separate Mobile Financial Service Act should not be enacted to ensure service charges, consumer protection, and accountability for MFS providers, so that reasonable, fair, and affordable MFS service charges can be guaranteed—especially for the poor and unbanked population.
Following a preliminary hearing on a writ petition filed in this regard, a High Court bench comprising Justice Md. Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md. Rezaul Karim issued the rule on Sunday.
Advocate Obaidullah Al Mamun Sakib moved the petition on behalf of the writ petitioner.
The Finance Secretary, the Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and other concerned authorities have been asked to respond to the rule within four weeks.
Earlier, Advocate Obaidullah Al Mamun Sakib himself filed the writ petition.
