NN Online:
Recent reports indicate significant mobile network disruptions across several areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, attributed to acts of sabotage. Over the past three months, vandals have targeted the mobile towers of Robi, severing power supplies and cutting fiber optic cables, which has led to the shutdown of nearly fifty towers. Additionally, there have been instances of criminal gangs abducting security personnel. In light of these challenges, EDOTCO Bangladesh Limited, responsible for tower security, is facing difficulties ensuring the safety of its facilities. Robi officials have voiced concerns regarding the lack of progress in addressing these issues, particularly with the impact on revenue and its shrinking customer base. Local residents are experiencing significant distress due to disruptions in mobile and internet services, which have severely hampered transportation and business operations, worsening the already critical local situation.
Across districts like Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Lakshmichhari, and others, criminal activities have resulted in the sabotage of 51 mobile towers, cutting power and fiber connections as part of an alleged extortion scheme. As of February 23, 2025, 32 towers in Khagrachhari alone have been targeted, with only a handful restored; 25 remain offline, with intermittent outages becoming a recurring issue. Furthermore, at least 26 towers owned by the state-run Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) have also had fiber connections severed, leading to further complications in restoring services.
At this point, three security personnel at Khagrachhari towers have been kidnapped, and Robi employees have faced threats from unknown callers, creating panic in the affected communities. The precarious situation has stunted restoration efforts, leaving EDOTCO struggling to secure sites effectively. Law enforcement, EDOTCO security teams, and local administrations are engaged in ongoing efforts to resolve these problems. A meeting on February 23, 2025, aimed to assess the situation and sought solutions by February 28. Despite these efforts, renewed attacks on towers by criminals have been reported. EDOTCO has officially informed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) about the ongoing issues, and Robi is actively working with law enforcement to facilitate faster repairs.
The continued shutdown of mobile towers has disrupted daily life significantly. Vital services such as healthcare, medicine delivery, and the transport of essential goods have been severely impacted. In remote areas, mobile communication is often the only available means of contact, making it nearly impossible to reach medical help in emergencies. This lack of connectivity has hindered transport for accident victims and those in urgent need of medical attention, complicating the delivery of crucial medications.
Moreover, the closure of Robi’s mobile towers has drastically affected goods transportation throughout the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Local businesses struggle to communicate with wholesalers, leading to delays in the supply of essential items. Transporters are unable to coordinate with drivers, resulting in further delays and shortages of vital goods. In some areas, there have been reports of artificial shortages and price increases. Local farmers face challenges in reaching urban markets with their produce, causing waste and forcing them to sell at lower prices. If the network outage persists, these economic strains are expected to worsen.
Residents like Rabiul Islam from Manikchhari express their frustration, noting that the lack of a functional mobile network has created grave difficulties, especially during emergencies. Similarly, Junang Tanchangya from Rangamati Sadar highlights the critical nature of communication and the dire state of local markets due to ongoing tower issues and safety concerns.
In light of the ongoing crisis, Robi has urged authorities to take prompt action to restore affected mobile towers and improve security in the region. The company emphasizes that reliable mobile and internet connectivity is essential for the economic development and security of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Without swift resolution, Robi risks further revenue losses and a diminishing customer base, while local residents and the economy will continue to suffer.
