MAHMUDUL HASAN

The Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC) is investigating a complaint by Robi Axiata PLC against Grameenphone (GP), accusing the country’s largest mobile operator of abusing its dominant market position through predatory pricing and excessive subsidies.

The complaint, filed with the BCC on January 21 this year, alleges that Grameenphone’s business practices violate the Competition Act 2012.

According to documents seen by The Daily Star, the commission has formally taken up the matter, with hearings already underway.

Despite being designated a significant market power (SMP) operator, Robi alleges Grameenphone “continues to disrupt the natural course of competition in the mobile telecom sector to maintain its dominant position.”

Robi’s complaint states, “This conduct constitutes a clear violation of Sections 15 and 16 of the Competition Act. Such anti-competitive behaviour is ongoing, as reflected in Grameenphone’s pricing of SIM cards, distribution system, marketing strategies, retail price controls, and determination of retailer commissions.”

Robi claims that these activities make it difficult for new entrants to survive and for existing operators to sustain their business, ultimately narrowing consumer choices and limiting innovation in the telecom industry.

“At the same time, Grameenphone continues to adopt various anti-competitive strategies to maintain its dominant market position. These practices hinder fair competition, disrupt market equilibrium, and negatively impact the introduction of new and innovative services,” Robi alleges.

However, Grameenphone has denied all allegations of anti-competitive behaviour.

AHM Ahsan, chairperson of BCC, said, “We are currently investigating Robi’s complaint against Grameenphone. Robi’s main allegation is predatory pricing by Grameenphone.”

Ahsan said when a company sells something at a price lower than its production cost, the