Subscribers of Robi’s mobile and internet networks have experienced widespread disruptions across several areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) due to alleged acts of sabotage, the company claimed.
Over the past three months, vandals have severed power supplies and cut fiber optic cables at numerous Robi mobile towers. As a result, nearly 50 towers have been shut down, according to the operator.
In addition, criminal gangs have reportedly abducted security personnel, Robi, the country’s second-largest mobile operator, said.
In response, EDOTCO Bangladesh Limited, the tower company, is struggling to secure its towers. While law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions are working on addressing the issue, Robi officials have expressed concerns about the lack of significant progress.
The mobile operator is particularly concerned about the substantial revenue losses and the decline in its customer base. Meanwhile, local residents are facing severe distress due to the disruption of mobile and internet services.
“The transportation of goods and business operations have been crippled, exacerbating the already dire situation. The ongoing disturbances are causing significant economic and social damage across the three hill districts,” the statement read.
In areas such as Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Lakshmichhari, Panchhari, Dighinala, Manikchhari, Naniarchar, Raozan, Fatikchhari, and Baghaichhari, criminal gangs have sabotaged 51 mobile towers by severing power connections and cutting fiber optic cables, Robi informed.
These incidents, which have been ongoing for around three months, are believed to be part of an extortion scheme.
As of February 23, 2025, 32 towers in Khagrachhari alone were targeted. While seven of these have been restored, 25 towers remain shut down, some intermittently coming online only to be taken offline again.
Additionally, at least 26 towers owned by the state-run Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) across the hill districts have had their fiber cables cut. While some fiber connections have been repaired, they are often severed again shortly after.
To date, three security personnel at the towers in Khagrachhari have been kidnapped, and Robi employees have received threats from unknown callers. These developments have caused widespread panic in the affected areas. Due to the sensitive nature of the situation, tower restoration efforts have made little progress. EDOTCO, responsible for securing the sites, has struggled to effectively carry out its duties, raising concerns at Robi over mounting revenue losses.
Law enforcement agencies, EDOTCO security teams, and local administrations are working together to resolve the issue.
A meeting was held on February 23, 2025, with representatives from various organizations to assess the situation and agree on a solution by February 28. Despite these efforts, some towers have been damaged again by further criminal attacks. EDOTCO has formally informed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) of the situation.
Robi’s corporate affairs team has also maintained continuous communication with senior officials at BTCL to facilitate the swift restoration of any severed fiber connections. Additionally, Robi has supported EDOTCO by liaising with law enforcement. Recently, representatives from EDOTCO, Robi, and other organizations met with officials from the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). EDOTCO and Robi teams are conducting daily joint reviews to monitor the situation.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Robi has urged the relevant authorities to take urgent action to restore the affected mobile towers and enhance security in the area.
The company has emphasized that uninterrupted mobile and internet connectivity is crucial for the economic development and security of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. If the tower issue is not resolved promptly, Robi will face even greater revenue losses and further damage to its customer base.