COX’S BAZAR: Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has stopped 3G and 4G mobile internet services in Ukhia and Teknaf upazilas since September 9 to prevent crimes committed by Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar.
But, local residents have been suffered a lot by this move. They alleged that the mobile operators had stopped 3G, 4G services at Rohingya camps, but they were receiving the service using broadband connection and mobile SIM of Myanmar. But the locals are suffering actually.
Not only that, Internet-dependent people are also suffering in various government-private offices, located in Ukhia and Teknaf upazilas, which are accessed through mobile data.
Ratan Dey, a local resident in the upazila, told Banglanews, not only 3G, 4G network, but also calls being dropped frequently and conversations are not clear, causing immense suffering to locals.
"They (Rohingya) are enjoying Internet service with a SIM of a mobile operator called 'MPT' of Myanmar. Broadband connections have also been reached in many Rohingya camps. But local people are facing huge sufferings."
Ratan commented, 'Due to the use of SIM of Myanmar, money is being siphoned off there. Taking shelter in our country, they are committing various crimes as well as illegally using the mobile SIM of Myanmar. ”
N Amin Chhotu, a local of Thakkhali area in Ukhia, told Banglanews that even though locals are suffering with mobile networking, the Rohingyas are getting 4G services through using the SIM of Myanmar. With that SIM they are recharging on mobile.
M Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, Chairman of Palangkhali UP, said that since September 1, the new connection with all types of mobile SIMs in Ukhia-Teknaf upazilas has stopped. The mobile can not be recharged as like before. But Rohingyas are ahead of the locals in getting mobile services.
Agreeing with the allegation, Ukhia Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) MD Nikaruzzaman Chowdhury told Banglanews that the local people too are having some troubles in getting service of 3G-4G networks. I myself am in trouble. Though there is a broadband connection in the office, I am facing trouble while going to get out of office.
Regarding the broadband connection of the Internet to the Rohingya camp, he said, "We are also getting such complaints." I have heard that many broadband companies have given connections to the Rohingyas. The matter is being investigated. Action will be taken if the complaint is found true.
Cox's Bazar Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration)MD Iqbal Hossain told Banglanews that some Rohingya mobile companies are bringing SIMs to Bangladesh after termination of 3G-4G services and many are using this SIM.
“After this was confirmed, the camps were monitored to stop the offence. We are also thinking about how to reduce use of mobile by Rohingyas.
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Kamal Hossain said that according to the government's directive, the BTRC suspended the 3G-4G services at Rohingya campa. But the government must also consider if it causes suffering for the local population.
On the other hand, Zahurul Haque, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, told reporters that internet service was stopped at Ukhia-Teknaf upazilas citing the national security. Because of this, the people of Ukhia-Teknaf have faced problems.
“But so far, there are no plans to strengthen mobile signals in these two upazilas”, he added.
BDST: 1248 HRS, SEP 22, 2019
RS/SMS
