It seems to follow a predictable pattern. When cell phones were introduced in the country, the first efforts were not aimed at maximising usage, but at generating undue profits through creation of a monopoly. In course of time, the incredible expansion of the countrywide coverage and affordable prices introduced by private operators became a salutary lesson of what can be achieved when artificial restrictions are removed. Sadly, as Mr. Sayeed points out, the BTTB under government patronage, still manages to stifle further development by blocking access to landlines from mobile phones.

The right to communicate is a fundamental right, just as access to air and water. Governments across the globe have realised this, and the economic benefits of mass communication has been tremendous. What the BTTB along with the GOB are doing reminds me of the reign of British Telecom in the UK.

Through its monopoly position, the BTTB used to make regular profits of around $5.5 billion per year -- or $11,000 per minute! Of course this came at the expense of people like us, since a 10-minute call to Dhaka then used to cost $75. No wonder, the BTTB wants to continue the status quo -- telecom business to it is a license to mint money.

My request to Mr, Sayeed now is -- how about doing a study to see if the nexus between the government and BTTB can be broken through public response. Would it be possible to take legal action against the government?

The policy of supporting vested interests will bring no changes in the lives of poor people in the country. Yesterday, I bought a British Airways ticket to Dhaka, failing to get seats or service on Biman. My money therefore went to Britain. The same is true about the telecom. Telephone calls to Dhaka still cost around 80 pence a minute, while calls to New Zealand -- 6000 miles further -- only cost 3 pence.