Robi’s Network in Peril Amid Sabotage in Chittagong Hill Tracts
The mobile network of Robi Axiata Limited has been severely disrupted in various parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to acts of sabotage by miscreants. Over the past three months, criminal groups have disconnected power supplies and severed fiber-optic cables at multiple sites, rendering more than 50 mobile towers inoperative. Additionally, several security personnel have reportedly been abducted.
The network outage has caused severe distress for local residents, who are struggling with limited mobile and internet connectivity. Essential services have been disrupted, while transportation and trade have been significantly affected. Concerns are mounting that the situation could worsen further unless authorities take swift action.
Widespread Disruptions Across Hill Districts
According to sources, the attacks have primarily targeted Robi's mobile towers in Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Lakshmichhari, Panchhari, Dighinala, Manikchhari, Naniarchar, Rauzan, Fatikchhari, and Baghaichhari. Reports suggest that extortion demands are the underlying motive behind these acts of sabotage.
As of February 23, 32 towers in Khagrachhari alone had been damaged—seven were restored, while 25 remained offline. An additional 26 towers across the three hill districts have been vandalized by criminals. While some fiber connections were restored, they were cut again soon after.
The security situation has escalated further, with three security personnel abducted from various locations in Khagrachhari. Robi officials have also been receiving threats from anonymous numbers, creating a climate of fear in the affected areas. Restoration efforts have been hindered, as Edotco Bangladesh Limited's security teams have been unable to counter the criminal activities.
Robi Faces Revenue Loss, Authorities Seek Solutions
Robi has stated that the continuous sabotage is causing significant financial losses. Although law enforcement agencies, Edotco's security teams, and local authorities are working together to address the crisis, no substantial progress has been made.
Speaking to local newspaper Chattogram Protidin, Khagrachhari resident Rabiul Islam said, "With the network down, even emergency communications are impossible. Medicine supplies have become irregular. If the towers are not restored soon, the crisis will deepen."
Similarly, Rangamati resident Junang Tanchangya remarked, "Businesses have come to a standstill without mobile network access. We are extremely concerned about the security situation. If the government does not act quickly, things could get much worse."
Robi and Edotco Bangladesh Limited have already held discussions with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). Efforts are underway to tackle the crisis with the support of law enforcement agencies.
Robi officials have emphasized the urgent need to restore the affected towers and bring the perpetrators to justice. They warned that if the network issues remain unresolved, residents will face worsening hardships, and the local economy will suffer devastating consequences.
Meanwhile, Rangamati’s Superintendent of Police (SP) S. M. Farhad Hossain stated that Robi has yet to file a formal complaint. Khagrachhari SP Arefin Jewel added, "Upon receiving reports, we have issued instructions to increase security around mobile towers near police stations."
