Mobile network disruptions have severely impacted several areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts as acts of sabotage continue to target mobile towers. Over the past three months, vandals have severed power connections and cut fiber optic cables at nearly 50 towers belonging to Robi, forcing their shutdown. Security personnel at the sites have also been abducted by criminal gangs.
EDOTCO Bangladesh Limited, responsible for managing tower operations, is struggling to ensure security while law enforcement agencies work to address the crisis. However, Robi officials have expressed concern over the lack of significant progress, warning of revenue losses and a shrinking customer base.
The network shutdown has left local residents in distress, severely affecting business operations, transportation, and access to essential services. Remote areas, where mobile networks are the only means of communication, are particularly affected. Emergency medical services have been disrupted, leading to difficulties in transporting patients and maintaining medicine supplies, including life-saving drugs.
Criminal gangs have targeted mobile towers in Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Lakshmichhari, Panchhari, Dighinala, Manikchhari, Naniarchar, Raozan, Fatikchhari, and Baghaichhari. A total of 51 Robi towers and 26 state-owned BTCL towers have been attacked, with some repairs undone by further sabotage. In Khagrachhari alone, 32 towers were taken offline, with only seven restored so far.
Robi employees have also faced threats from unknown callers, and three security personnel have been kidnapped. In response, EDOTCO and Robi have been working closely with law enforcement agencies to find a resolution. Meetings have been held with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), and other stakeholders to address the issue.
The disruptions have caused widespread economic damage. Business owners struggle to communicate with wholesalers, delaying supply chains. Transporters cannot coordinate deliveries, leading to food and essential item shortages. Farmers are unable to reach buyers, resulting in financial losses and food waste.
Local residents have voiced their concerns over the crisis. "For months, the mobile network has been unreliable. We can't even make emergency calls when needed," said Rabiul Islam from Manikchhari. Junang Tanchangya from Rangamati Sadar added, "The situation is worsening. Businesses are suffering, and security concerns are rising. We need urgent intervention from the government."
Robi has called on authorities to take immediate action to restore mobile towers and improve security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Without urgent intervention, further economic and social damage is expected in the region.
