Sabotage disrupts mobile and internet networks in Ctg Hill Tracts

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.