Mobile network disruptions have been reported across several areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to acts of sabotage. In the last three months, vandals have severed power supplies and cut fiber optic cables at numerous mobile towers belonging to Robi. As a result, nearly fifty towers have been shut down. Even security personnel have been abducted by criminal gangs. In response, tower company EDOTCO Bangladesh Limited is struggling to ensure the security of its towers. While law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions are addressing the issue, Robi officials have expressed concerns over the lack of significant progress. The mobile operator is particularly worried about revenue losses and its dwindling customer base. Meanwhile, local residents are facing severe distress due to the disruptions in mobile and internet services. Transportation of goods and business operations have been crippled, exacerbating the already dire situation. The ongoing disturbances are causing significant economic and social damage across the three hill districts.
In areas such as Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Lakshmichhari, Panchhari, Dighinala, Manikchhari, Naniarchar, Raozan, Fatikchhari, and Baghaichhari, criminal gangs have sabotaged 51 mobile towers by severing power connections and fiber optic cables. These incidents, ongoing for around three months, are believed to be part of an extortion scheme. As of February 23, 2025, 32 towers in Khagrachhari alone were targeted, with seven restored; however, 25 towers remain shut down, with some intermittently coming back online only to be taken offline again. Additionally, at least 26 towers owned by the state-run Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) across the hill districts have had their fiber cables cut. While some fiber connections have been repaired, they are often severed again shortly after.
To date, three security personnel at the towers in Khagrachhari have been kidnapped, and Robi employees have been threatened by unknown callers. These developments have caused widespread panic in the affected areas. Due to the sensitive nature of the situation, tower restoration efforts have made little headway. EDOTCO, which is tasked with securing the sites, has struggled to perform its duties effectively, leading to growing concerns at Robi over mounting revenue losses.
Law enforcement agencies, EDOTCO security teams, and local administrations are working to resolve the issue. A meeting was held on February 23, 2025, with representatives from various organizations to assess the situation and agree on a solution by February 28. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, some towers have been damaged again by attacks from criminals. EDOTCO has informed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) of the situation through a formal letter. Robi’s corporate affairs team has also maintained continuous communication with senior officials at BTCL to facilitate the swift restoration of any severed fiber connections. In addition, Robi has supported EDOTCO by liaising with law enforcement. Recently, representatives from EDOTCO, Robi, and other organizations met with officials from the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). EDOTCO and Robi teams are conducting daily joint reviews to monitor the situation.
The continued shutdown of mobile towers across the Chittagong Hill Tracts has disrupted daily life on a massive scale. With no mobile or internet networks operational, critical services such as healthcare, medicine delivery, and transportation of essential goods have been severely affected. In many remote areas, mobile communication is the sole means of contact. Without it, people are unable to reach hospitals or doctors in emergencies. In critical situations, even ambulances cannot be summoned. This has made it increasingly difficult to transport accident victims, pregnant women, or seriously ill patients to medical facilities. The disruption in the medicine supply chain has also resulted in a crisis, with pharmacies and suppliers unable to coordinate orders in a timely manner. This is especially problematic for the supply of life-saving medications like insulin and oxygen, leaving patients in peril. If mobile networks are not restored soon, the situation is likely to worsen.
The closure of Robi’s mobile towers has also significantly impacted the transportation of goods throughout the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Local businesses are struggling to communicate with wholesalers, causing delays in the ordering and delivery of essential items, food, and raw materials. The lack of network connectivity in the remote hill regions is particularly problematic, as transporters cannot communicate with drivers, leading to delays in the arrival of goods. Shortages of food, baby products, and household necessities have been reported in some areas, with artificial shortages and price hikes occurring in others. Local farmers are also facing challenges. They cannot properly communicate with buyers or traders to send their produce to urban markets. As a result, some produce is going to waste, while farmers are forced to sell at lower prices. If the network remains down, food shortages, price hikes, and business losses are expected to worsen.
Rabiul Islam, a resident of Manikchhari in Khagrachhari, said, “For the past few months, the mobile network has not been working properly. We are facing serious difficulties in this situation. At times, we can’t even make emergency calls. It becomes especially challenging when there is a medical emergency or an accident, as getting help quickly is nearly impossible. Even pharmacies are running out of essential medicines. If the mobile towers are not restored soon, the crisis will only worsen.”
Junang Tanchangya, a resident of Rangamati Sadar, shared similar concerns: “The current situation has become extremely difficult. With the ongoing tower issues, communication has become a major problem. When we go to the market, many essential goods are unavailable. The attacks on mobile towers by criminal groups have also raised serious concerns about law and order. We hope the government will step in to resolve this issue quickly, or else the situation will deteriorate further.”
In response to the ongoing crisis, Robi has urged the relevant authorities to take urgent action to restore the affected mobile towers and improve security in the area. The company has stressed that uninterrupted mobile and internet connectivity is crucial for the economic development and security of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. If the tower issue is not resolved promptly, Robi will face even greater revenue losses and further damage to its customer base. Moreover, local residents and the economy will continue to suffer.