ISPAB Gives 24-Hour Deadline After Attack on ISP Office in Chattogram

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the arrest of those responsible for the attack, vandalism and alleged extortion attempt targeting Digital Dot Net (DDN), an internet service provider in Chattogram.

Tuesday, 14 July, speaking at a press conference held at the Chattogram Press Club, ISPAB Chattogram Division Convener Rajib Shahriar Rubens said repeated incidents of extortion, intimidation and harassment against internet service providers have created a serious security crisis for the entire ISP industry.

Following the press conference, more than a hundred officials and employees from different internet service providers formed a human chain in front of the press club.

According to DDN, its owner Adil Bin Mamun received a WhatsApp call from an overseas number on Saturday from a caller identifying himself as "David Imon," who allegedly demanded Tk 20 million as a one-time payment and Tk 1 million per month in extortion. After the demand was rejected, a group of 30 to 35 armed individuals stormed the company's office on Monday afternoon, vandalised equipment and looted cash and other valuables.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali said several suspects have already been identified, although no arrests had been made as of Tuesday afternoon. Police believe most of the attackers were between 16 and 25 years old and may belong to local juvenile gangs operating in the Bakalia and Chawkbazar areas.

Senior police officials also said the person using the name "David Imon" is believed to be Mobarak Hossain, an alleged close associate of fugitive crime figure Boro Sajjad. Investigators suspect members linked to the group have been recruiting young people to carry out extortion and intimidation against business owners.

ISPAB placed a four-point demand, including the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible, enhanced security for all ISP companies and critical network infrastructure, swift investigation and legal action against extortion and terrorist activities, and stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies to prevent similar incidents.

Rajib Shahriar Rubens said Bangladesh's economy, banking, education, healthcare, public administration and digital services rely heavily on uninterrupted internet connectivity. He warned that attacks on internet infrastructure threaten not only individual businesses but also the country's essential digital services.

He added that internet services are currently being maintained in the public interest. However, if the attackers are not arrested within the next 24 hours, ISP operators will be compelled to suspend internet services across the Chattogram division as part of a stronger protest.
//DBTech/TOSD/ED//