Quake Crisis: Banglalink Opens Free Call Window for Millions

On Friday, 21 November, a devastating earthquake shook Dhaka. During this emergency, 3.3 million of Banglalink’s 40 million subscribers were able to contact their loved ones free of charge through the operator’s two-hour complimentary calling window.

During this period, each user spoke for an average of four minutes from their number. In total, Banglalink recorded 12.2 million minutes of outgoing calls.

Rafiq Sheikh, a rickshaw puller from Badda who used the free call facility, said he only had enough balance for a two-minute call. “I called my nephew who works in Old Dhaka to check on him. I talked for five minutes, but the balance didn’t deduct. Later I learned it was free. It felt really good,” he added.

Asked how such a quick decision was made on a holiday, Banglalink’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Taimur Rahman said, “Today’s quake was very intense and frightening. Although it was a holiday, the Banglalink leadership team and the Business Continuity & Crisis Team immediately gathered to assess network conditions and ensure employee safety. We then discussed how we could assist our customers during this critical time and decided to offer two hours of free calls so they could connect with their loved ones. During that period, we saw 3.3 million customers make calls. We hope it helped them reach their families.”

Earlier, Banglalink had announced the special offer through its official social media handles to ensure smooth communication among relatives and friends following the earthquake. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., outgoing calls were made free. Subscribers also received SMS notifications regarding the offer.

DBTech/IH/OR