DHAKA: Some 13,500 officials and employees of Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) have been left in the lurch to count days in the dark to know their future.

The members of the staff of the now-defunct Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB) were absorbed in the BTCL in July 2008 following the rechristening of the state-owned telecom enterprise.

But they are yet to sign in the `Option Form` provided by the government that asks them to clarify if they would stay with the government or join the newly formed company.

However, the officials and employees said they would not sign the form unless the government announces the benefits if they switch over to the company.

The government offered option forms several times to make a choice, sources said. But they are yet to sign, said the sources.

Nurul Azad, President of T&T Workers-Employees Federal Union, said they did not have any objection with the company.

“We want to know the rules and regulations of the company which will entail the advantages,” he said, adding, “We will take a decision afterwards."

Azad said he had worked for the BTTB for over three decades--and now has only four years to retire.

"I cannot take decision without knowing anything," he said.

Earlier, over 450 BCS officials signed in the `option form’, opting for government service.

In 2008 BTCL launched its operation with the capital of Tk 15,000 crore with the manpower and assets of BTTB.

MA Taleb, General Secretary of BCS Telecom Samity, told banglanews24.com.bd that the matter has been hung up for last two years, leaving them in the lurch.

The quality of service is deteriorating day by day, he added.

BTCL’s acting Managing Director Afsar-ul-Alam would not admit to any uncertainty over the transformation process. “Everything would be done as per rules and regulations--and it takes time,” he said.

BDST: 1650 HRS, AUG 12, 2010