The telecom regulator will buy two devices to measure the level of radiation emitted by base transceiver stations (BTSs), or mobile phone towers, on public health and environment, according to a BTRC official.
Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) took the decision in line with a recent High Court directive that asked the telecom regulator to take preventive measures if any harmful radiation is found.
As of June 30, 2016, there were 69,009 BTSs in operation across the country.
The two devices and two cars for their transportation around the country will cost around Tk 3.4 crore -- Tk 1.5 crore for the devices, Tk 1 crore for the vehicles, and the Tk 0.9 crore for paying the customs tax.
In its order, the HC also asked BTRC to formulate guidelines on the use of towers by mobile phone companies, and the commission has already taken initiatives in this regard.
According to BTRC officials, international organisations including World Health Organization, International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, and International Telecommunication Union have taken measures keeping in mind the negative impacts of radiation from these towers.
In 2012, the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh filed a petition with the HC over radiation from these towers.
Following the court order, an expert committee formed by the health ministry prepared a report after examining radiation from some towers in Dhaka city. According to the report, the radiation emitted by a tower was found harmful for health.
Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/city/btrc-measure-mobile-phone-tower-radiation-1399216