Failing to receive the demanded extortion money, the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), led by Prasit Bikash Khisa, has allegedly vandalized and looted 10 mobile towers belonging to private telecom operator Robi in various upazilas of Khagrachari and Rangamati hill districts. The militant group cut power and mobile networks in the affected areas, leaving thousands of users in distress.

Sources confirm that in the early hours of January 22, Wednesday, the UPDF carried out coordinated attacks on six mobile towers in Dighinala, Manikchhari, and Matiranga of Khagrachari, as well as four towers in Naniarchar of Rangamati. They reportedly vandalized server rooms, disconnected power lines, and looted equipment, causing complete disruption of communication in the area.

A Robi representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the UPDF recently demanded a large sum of extortion money from the tower operators. When their demands were refused, the militants launched the attacks. Currently, the affected areas remain without mobile connectivity, and fear looms large among local residents.
The UPDF has warned that if their demands are not met, they will expand such activities to other areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This ongoing extortion and threats pose a significant challenge for mobile tower operators.

Tower technicians have reported that the damage will take considerable time and resources to repair. Additionally, the UPDF has prohibited any repair work unless their demands are met, leaving local residents in an indefinite state of communication blackout.
The disruption of mobile services has severely affected the daily lives of the local population. Essential sectors such as healthcare, education, business, and administrative operations are facing significant setbacks. Many people are unable to make emergency phone calls, and access to social media and digital communication remains completely cut off.

A Violation of Human Rights and Digital Freedom

By targeting critical telecommunications infrastructure, the UPDF is not only causing widespread inconvenience but is also actively violating fundamental human rights. Access to communication is a basic right, and its disruption hinders freedom of expression, emergency response capabilities, and the overall well-being of the affected population. Such actions amount to digital fascism, where a militant group is leveraging technology as a weapon to suppress and control the region's people. These activities not only disrupt lives but also foster insecurity, fear, and a sense of helplessness among the locals.
Experts warn that these actions not only undermine peace and sovereignty in the region but also set a dangerous precedent of exploiting digital infrastructure as a tool for extortion and violence.
 

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