There
has been no official internet shutdown in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, stated
Md. Nahid Islam, Adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and
Information Technology, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He
mentioned that some areas faced temporary issues, but the situation is being
exaggerated, suggesting that the internet was shut down, which is not true.
He
made these remarks this morning (Saturday, September 21) while responding to a journalist’s
question during his visit to the flood-affected areas in the Chhagalnaiya
Upazila of Feni.
Nahid
Islam clarified that no official shutdown occurred in the Chittagong Hill
Tracts. A few areas experienced temporary problems. In some places, the
internet was down briefly, but exaggerating this to claim an official shutdown
is inaccurate. No such directive was issued, and no such incident occurred.
Additionally, no evidence can be presented to prove any long-term internet
shutdown in the Chittagong Hill Tracts or any other region.
He
further stated that the internet shutdown claims are untrue. He had discussions
with the Deputy Commissioner and other officials in the area. He urged people
to contact the appropriate authorities to verify the complete truth in such
cases.
Regarding
the rehabilitation efforts, the Information Adviser said that as floods occur
annually in the area, a permanent solution is needed. Discussions are ongoing
about how to repair the dams to minimize the damage. For now, the focus is on
rehabilitation. Housing construction is the primary need. Additionally,
educational supplies, lost during the floods, need to be distributed quickly.
Nahid
Islam also commented that India should not have opened the dams in this manner,
although they have not admitted it. The issue was discussed at the Joint River
Commission and through diplomatic channels. Talks are ongoing with India to
ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future.
Earlier,
Nahid Islam visited the flood-affected areas of Andharmanik in the Chhagalnaiya
Upazila and spoke with the victims.
Feni’s
Deputy Commissioner, Mussammat Shahina Akhtar, Police Superintendent Md.
Habibur Rahman, and various other administrative officials were present during
the visit.