Bangladesh Government withdraws ban on mobile in border areas

A Correspondent

Agartala: The Bangladesh Government has withdrawn, within thirty-six hours, the ban imposed on use of mobile phones up to a distance of 1 km from the border with India following resentment from the local inhabitants and probably considering the Indian reaction.

The ban imposed by Bangladesh Telephone Regulatory Commission came into force from the midnight of December 31 and was withdrawn on January 2. Muhammad Suhel Rana, Deputy Manager of the Spectrum Management Department of the BTRC reportedly instructed all the four mobile operators of the country to restore mobile services immediately.

The ban was imposed, reportedly, on apprehension that India may push back or a good number of people may try to cross over to Bangladesh following the amendment of the Citizenship Act and the subsequent agitation. The decision evoked serious reaction as there were no reports of infiltration from India to Bangladesh.

According to sources, over one crore people residing in 32 bordering districts were affected due to the ban on mobile phone. There are about 1,500 mobile towers in these areas. Mobile operator sources said work has been started to restore all the mobile towers some of which are located in remote areas.

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