As part of the controversial tele-tapping ordinance, the telecoms regulator also made mandatory a 'certificate' issued by an elected public representative or first class government officer for new subscription.

Calling in the top brass of the six mobile phone operators, BTRC Chairman Omar Farooq yesterday briefed them in presence of intelligence officials at his office.

The regulator did not disclose any agenda prior to the surprise meeting, and no minutes were also distributed afterwards.

The operators vehemently protested such unrealistic directive but the regulator remained uncompromising citing national security, sources said.

The operators observed that it is almost impossible to gather personal details of the existing prepaid customers as the operators do not maintain any contact with them.

They also apprehended that the mandatory certificate for fresh subscription would deal a severe blow to the growth of the mobile phone market in Bangladesh.

The BTRC directive also sees issuance of certificates with flawed information as a punishable offence.

Meanwhile, former advisor to caretaker government Major General (retd) Moinul Hussain Choudhury doubted whether such certificate is going to serve any useful purpose of the authorities.

"Unfortunately, we can obtain 'genuine' documents fraudulently in our country," he said. "The BTRC should have been more concerned about the quality of services, tariff reduction and timely collection of the government dues instead."

As per the directive, the operators will have to develop a database of subscribers' personal details and make them available to the government as and when necessary. The BTRC has also asked the operators to record all calls, and archive text messages and contents transmitted in any other forms.

Academic luminary Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed feared that the mandatory certificate may open up new avenues for criminals. Had the government issued national identification card to every citizen no certificates would have been required, he opined.