8. The functions of the Board shall be- ¹[(a) to establish, maintain and operate, telegraphs and telephones in any part of Bangladesh;(aa) to prepare and execute development plans;](b) to exercise all powers of the Government under the Telegraph Act, 1885 (XIII of 1885), other than those under ²[sections 4, 7, 8, 15 and 19B] of the said Act, and all powers of the telegraph authority under the said Act;(c) to associate with any international organisation engaged in any activity falling within the functions of the Board;(d) to establish and maintain institutes for the instruction and training of persons engaged or likely to be engaged in any activities connected with telegraphs and telephones;(e) to determine the structure and strength of its organisation, manage its affairs, plan its future investments and maintain its financial position in accordance with sound business and financial principles;(f) to operate and maintain, at all times, its facilities and properties and, from time to time, make all necessary renewal and repairs thereto in accordance with sound engineering, telegraph, telephone and business practices;(g) to carry out all technical and engineering projects and works; (h) to make all purchases of plant, machinery and stores either in the country or abroad in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Government and, subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, also to dispose of stores and equipments;(i) to discharge with the prior approval of the Government the functions specified in the First Schedule to this Ordinance;(j) to do all other matters and things connected with, or ancillary to, any of the aforesaid functions.