Telecom Workers’ Union Demands Swift Rescue and Safety After Abductions in CHT
The Bangladesh Private Telecommunication Employees’ Union has made five urgent demands following the abduction of four telecom workers who have been missing for the past three months while conducting tower maintenance work in remote areas. The union called for their immediate release and return to their families, along with exemplary punishment for the abductors, enhanced safety for telecom workers in Chattogram and CHT regions, greater accountability and oversight of tower-operating companies, and prompt, sincere action by law enforcement authorities.
These demands were raised at a press conference held on Monday, July 28, at the Sagar-Runi Hall of the Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.
Union President Md. Maksudur Rahman Rakib stated, “Robi Axiata, edotco, and Serves Communication Limited have repeatedly delayed action with false promises. Though local police stations and administrative authorities were informed, no effective steps have been taken. As a result, over a thousand telecom workers across the country are now living in extreme insecurity.”
The press conference detailed the timeline of abductions. The first incident occurred on April 19 in the Mayurkhali area of Manikchhari upazila, Khagrachari hill district. Two telecom workers—Md. Ismail Miah and Abe Marma—contracted under edotco Bangladesh Limited and Serves Communication Limited for Robi Axiata tower maintenance, were kidnapped by armed assailants from a Robi tower around 11:00 a.m. That afternoon, the abductors called Ismail’s father from a mobile number (01613195863), confirming the abduction and instructing him to contact Robi and edotco. The two workers have been missing ever since.
A second incident followed on June 5 at the Karnaphuli Bazar area in Lelang Union under Fatikchhari, Chattogram. Two more telecom workers—Md. Suman Islam (32) and Abdur Rahim (36)—were abducted while working at another Robi tower. That evening, Soheb Suman, Chattogram regional manager of Serves Communication, called Suman’s father to report that his son was missing. A general diary was filed at the Fatikchhari police station, but the men remain untraced.
The union asserted that the kidnappers have been demanding ransom directly, posing not only a grave threat to individual safety but also to the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure. “In the past two months, four workers have been abducted in Khagrachari and Chattogram. None have been rescued yet. Families remain in contact with the companies but have received only hollow assurances,” the union noted.
It was disclosed that general diaries had been filed regarding both incidents: the first at Manikchhari Police Station (GD No. 790, dated April 20, 2025, Tracking No. 16YVBSK), and the second at Fatikchhari Police Station (GD No. 265, dated June 6, 2025, Tracking No. N3JPSB). However, police action has so far been described as “inactive.”
The union stated that tower construction and maintenance in the hilly areas have long been fraught with tensions involving certain local groups. “There have been abductions in the past too, which were resolved informally. This time, companies are urging families to negotiate with the abductors while avoiding responsibility themselves. This leaves both families and colleagues in deep fear and confusion,” they added.
