Teletalk projects under conflict-of-interest cloud

A conflict-of-interest cloud hangs over several Teletalk projects after allegations surfaced that private contractor Noman Enterprise secured multiple work orders from the state-owned mobile operator despite alleged family links between its proprietor and Teletalk officials.

A written complaint submitted to the authorities has sought an impartial investigation into the contracts, alleging possible violations of Teletalk’s Service Regulations (By-Laws), procurement rules and provisions governing conflicts of interest.

The complaint alleges that Emdadullah Biswas, proprietor of Noman Enterprise, is the husband of Teletalk Deputy Manager Zobaida Sultana, who works at the Sales and Marketing Department of the operator’s Mirpur-10 Customer Care Centre.

A written complaint submitted to the authorities has called for an investigation into various work orders and contracts awarded to Noman Enterprise, alleging possible violations of Teletalk's Service Regulations (By-Laws) and provisions concerning conflicts of interest.

According to the complaint, Teletalk's Conduct Regulations (By-Laws) define an employee as any person holding a position in the company, while family members include a spouse, children or stepchildren, parents, and grandchildren, regardless of whether they live with the employee.

The complaint cited Section 4.23 of the regulations, which allegedly restricts employees or their family members from having involvement in businesses or tenders connected with Teletalk.

The complaint names Zobaida Sultana, deputy manager of the Sales and Marketing  Department at Teletalk's Mirpur-10 Customer Care Centre. The complainant alleges that her husband, Emdadullah Biswas, is the proprietor of Noman Enterprise, which has participated in various tenders and secured work from Teletalk. Public procurement records also show that Noman Enterprise has received several contracts from Teletalk.

According to information published by the government's public procurement authority, Noman Enterprise was awarded Package-4, Lot-5, under a Teletalk project for network expansion in rural areas and preparations for 5G services. The work involves the supply and implementation of commercial electricity connection systems at various BTS sites.

The work order was approved on April 8, 2026, at a contract value of Tk2,00,77,500, and the agreement was subsequently signed on April 20. Government procurement records also contain information on other Teletalk projects involving Noman Enterprise.

A notice published on July 13, 2026, names Noman Enterprise for Package-14, Lot-2, involving the supply, installation and integration of grounding, MDB and firefighting systems at various BTS sites in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna and Barishal divisions.

Another government procurement document published on August 27, 2026, also lists Noman Enterprise for Package-4, Lot-3, involving the supply and implementation of commercial electricity connection systems at various Teletalk BTS sites. The relevant section of the document identifies “MD Emdadullah Biswas” as the managing director.

The complaint also raises allegations against Teletalk Deputy Manager Zobaida Sultana and her brother, Deputy General Manager Md Al Mamun Biswas, accusing them of allegedly influencing the company's work in different ways.