Mobile phone operators have also been asked to follow new guidelines in case of new subscribers from February 27, sources said, adding that Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will issue a directive on it this week.

Cell phone companies will get two months to complete the re-registration process, the first step of the controversial tele-tapping ordinance. Existing and new subscribers will have to provide their fingerprints on the prescribed forms.

The telecom regulator held a series of meetings with the top officials of mobile phone companies, home ministry, and intelligence agencies since January 19 on completion of the fresh registration process in a bid to chalk out a plan on how it can be done within the shortest possible time.

The cell operators have been asked to complete re-registration for the existing subscribers within two months. BTRC has assured them of considering time extension after reviewing the progress of the two-month deadline.

The operators earlier requested the commission to give at least a six-month time to complete registration of around 10 million subscribers, of whom 90 per cent are clients.

The telecom regulator has made mandatory a 'certificate' issued by an elected public representative or a first class government officer for new subscription. If any subscriber provides false information in personal details, the official or the public representative attesting the form will be taken to task.

Those who have passports, driving licences or other forms of identity documents will not require the certificate. Connection of an existing subscriber will be snapped in case of failure to register with the operators within the scheduled time and restored after completing the process.

The operators fear that mandatory certificate for fresh subscription would deal a severe blow to the growth of the mobile phone market in Bangladesh.

Cell phone companies have been asked to record personal details of their clients in electronic databases.

It is said that the current system does not ensure correct information of pre-paid clients, creating opportunities for criminals to use the mobile phone network for their operations.

The government on December 11, 2005 amended the Bangladesh Telecommunications Act 2001 and promulgated an ordinance with immediate effect, allowing intelligence and law enforcement personnel to tap the telephonic conversations of any individual.

The government amended it again on January 30 and added provision for punishment of the mobile operators who will not comply with the directives. The government has placed the ordinance in the current session of parliament for approval.