The reduced rate will also apply to fixed telephone calls to eight countries -- UK, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong-- in phases.

However, per minute charge for mobile phone calls to UK, Australia, France, Italy and Germany will be Tk 18.

Users of both ISD (international subcribrs' dialing) and NWD (nation-wide dialing) telephones will enjoy the reduced charges.

The NWD telephone users will be able to make ISD calls at the reduced rate through direct dialing using the new code 012 instead of 00.

Initially, the reduced rate is applicable to users in Dhaka only and then in the entire country in two to three months, said Post and Telecommunications Minister Aminul Huq.

He introduced the reduced charge facility making a phone call to S Hasan Ahmed, Bangladesh ambassador to US.

The new facility will be available round the clock but subscribers might initially face some inconveniences like congestion.

The government has a plan to extend the reduced rates also to other Saarc countries, the minister told a questioner.