HC rule over extra charges by bKash, Nagad, Rocket

The High Court (HC) on Sunday issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the arbitrary and excessive service charges slapped on customers by Mobile Financial Service (MFS) providers bKash, Nagad and Rocket should not be declared illegal.

The HC bench also asked the government to show cause why it should not be directed to formulate a separate law governing mobile financial services.
The proposed law would regulate service charges, ensure consumer protection and accountability, and ensure that MFS charges are reasonable, fair and affordable, particularly for poor people and those without access to conventional banking services.

The HC bench comprising Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md Rezaul Karim passed the order after preliminary hearing on a writ petition filed in this regard.

The finance secretary, the posts and telecommunications secretary, the Bangladesh Bank governor and other officials con cerned have been asked to reply to the rule within four weeks.

Supreme Court lawyer Obaidullah Al Mamun (Sakib) filed the writ petition as Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking HC directive over the matter.

After the HC rule, the petitioner told reporters, Under the Mobile Financial Services (MFS) Regulations, 2022, services like bKash and Nagad are meant primarily for low-income people. Yet they're charging customers excessive service fees."

On interim directions, the lawyer added that the HC bench ordered notices served on respondents via special messenger within two days before the matter comes up for a full hearing.