The internet has not been officially shut down in the Chittagong Hill Tracts: Advisor Nahid

The internet has not been officially shut down anywhere in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, though there were isolated issues in certain areas, according to Md. Nahid Islam, Advisor to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, as well as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

He made these remarks in response to a question from journalists while inspecting a flood-affected area in Chhagalnaiya, Feni, on the morning of Saturday, September 21.

The Information Advisor stated that internet services were temporarily disrupted in some areas, but it has been exaggerated that internet services were entirely shut down. No such directive was issued, and no such incident occurred. There is no evidence to support claims that the internet was down for an extended period in the Chittagong Hill Tracts or any other region.

Nahid further added that the rumors about the government shutting down the internet due to tensions between the indigenous and Bengali communities in the hill tracts are untrue. The internet remains operational in the hill tract areas.

In a press release issued by the Ministry, it was clarified that in response to reports of internet shutdowns, the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology sought an explanation from BTRC (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission), which confirmed that no directive had been issued to shut down mobile networks or fixed broadband internet. However, on September 19, during clashes between the indigenous and Bengali communities in Dighinala, Khagrachari, several areas witnessed arson, resulting in damage to optical fibers. This caused 16 Rabi towers to lose network connectivity, 14 of which have already been repaired, while two are still under maintenance. This disruption led to temporary mobile internet issues, which have since been resolved.

"Due to the imposition of Section 144 in the affected area, repair work was delayed. Later, all telecommunication work was exempted from the restrictions of Section 144," added Jasim Uddin, the Ministry's Public Relations Officer.

He also noted that internet service providers (ISPs) were asked for explanations regarding the issue. In response, they confirmed that broadband internet services in Khagrachari and Rangamati are functioning. However, in some areas, internet cables were damaged, and in others, power supply issues have left a small number of customers without service. Efforts to restore the network and provide internet services via generators are ongoing, and broadband services are expected to return to normal soon.

The press release urged the public in the hill tract areas not to be misled by misinformation regarding the internet shutdown.