CHT, Apr 04 (V7N) – The mobile network of leading telecom operator Robi has been severely disrupted in several areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to ongoing sabotage activities, causing immense suffering to local residents and significantly impacting regional economic activity.

In the past three months, criminal gangs have disconnected power supplies and severed fiber-optic lines of more than 50 Robi towers in remote and hilly locations, including Khagrachari, Rangamati, Lakshmichari, Dighinala, Manikchari, Baghaichari, and others. The motive behind these repeated attacks is believed to be extortion, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The tower company edotco Bangladesh Limited, which is responsible for the infrastructure, has reportedly been unable to ensure proper security, despite coordination with law enforcement agencies and the local administration. A meeting on February 23 aimed at resolving the issue by February 28 has failed to produce sustainable results.

According to Robi and local officials, three tower security personnel have been kidnapped, and Robi employees have received threats from unknown numbers. In Khagrachari alone, 32 towers have been affected — only 7 have been temporarily restored, with 25 remaining inoperative. Several towers restored by edotco with the help of law enforcement were damaged again shortly after.

Additionally, fiber-optic lines of at least 26 BTCL towers have been cut multiple times. Repairs made during the day have been undone by fresh sabotage the same night, according to reports.

The network shutdown has had a devastating impact on daily life. Residents in remote areas now lack mobile and internet access, which in many cases is their only means of communication. Emergency medical services are severely hampered — ambulances cannot be called, and critical patients, including pregnant women and accident victims, face delays in reaching hospitals.

The medicine supply chain, especially for life-saving drugs like insulin and oxygen, is also affected, leading to acute shortages in local pharmacies.

The supply and trade of essential goods have also been significantly disrupted. Traders are unable to communicate with wholesalers, causing delays in the delivery of baby food, household essentials, and raw materials. Transport operations are in disarray as drivers and transporters cannot coordinate, especially in hilly, hard-to-reach regions.

Local farmers are among the worst affected, with spoiled crops and distress sales due to their inability to reach buyers. “We are in great danger in this situation,” said Robiul Islam, a resident of Manikchhari. “It’s difficult to get emergency help or even access essential medicines.”

Junang Tanchangya from Rangamati Sadar added, “The situation is becoming very difficult. Many products are no longer available in the market. We are also worried about the law and order situation due to the repeated attacks.”

Robi has officially informed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and continues to work closely with BTCL, edotco, DGFI, and law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation.

The company has called upon the authorities to urgently restore the damaged towers and enhance site security.

“Uninterrupted mobile and internet connectivity is vital for the economic development and public safety of the Chittagong Hill Tracts,” a Robi spokesperson said. “If this crisis continues, we will face further loss of revenue and customers, while local livelihoods and services will suffer even more.”

Unless swift action is taken, the situation may lead to increased food shortages, rising prices, and a deepening humanitarian crisis in one of the most sensitive regions of the country.

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