‘Acts of sabotage’ forced 50 Robi towers shut in the hills, says Robi

“In some areas, fibres were cut on the same day they were repaired,” statement says

Mobile network operator Robi has said more than 50 of its towers in Bangladesh's hilly regions have been shut down over the past three months due to power and fibre cable cuts.

In a media statement on Thursday, the company claimed miscreants had an “extortion motive” behind such activities.

“The criminal ring has even kidnapped some security personnel. The tower company EDOTCO Bangladesh Co Limited is unable to ensure the security of the towers.

“In addition, terrorists have cut the fibres of at least 26 BTCL towers across three hill districts. In some areas, the fibres were cut again on the same day they were repaired.”

Robi says the incidents have occurred in different hilly areas including Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Laxmichhari, Panchari, Dighinala, Manikchari, Naniar Char, Raozan, Fatikchhari, and Baghaichari.

The statement said 32 towers were damaged in Khagrachhari alone. Of these, seven have been restored.

The locals are suffering greatly due to the lack of mobile and internet networks.

Transport of goods and trade are also being severely disrupted, resulting in significant economic and social losses.

The statement said Robi employees are being threatened by unknown numbers, causing panic.

It said, “In this critical situation, tower restoration remains stalled.

“EDOTCO, despite being responsible for site security, has failed to ensure it, putting Robi at further risk of revenue loss.

“Law enforcement agencies, EDOTCO’s security team, and the local administration are working to resolve the issue.

“A meeting was held on Feb 23 with representatives from various organisations to review the situation and aim for a resolution by Feb 28.”

The release said representatives of EDOTCO, Robi and other related organisations also recently met with DGFI officials on this issue.

In this regard, Rangamati Superintendent of Police SM Forhad Hossain said Robi has not submitted any written complaint to them.

Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel said, “Robi has not contacted us. We have given them some guidelines regarding the security of the towers around the police station and outpost after receiving the information.”