Human chain protests giving local SIMs to Rohingyas

Speakers at a human chain have protested the government's decision to provide Bangladeshi mobile SIMs to the Rohingyas living in different refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and demanded the withdrawal of the decision.

They said in the name of humanity, the BTRC is serving the interest of the mobile phone operators, paving the way to lucrative profits.

The human chain was formed in front of the National Press Club by leaders and activists of the Rohingya Protyabason Jatiya Sangram Committee on Wednesday morning.

Addressing the human chain, President of the committee Ataullah Khan said, “Rohingyas are already using Bangladeshi mobile SIMs illegally to carry out various anti-social activities including drug dealing, smuggling, and money laundering. We have seen how Rohingya leader Mahibullah organised a rally of thousands of Rohingyas using illegal mobile networks.”

“The telecommunications ministry is serving the interest of businessmen under the guise of humanity. Earlier, the ministry installed telephone booths for Rohingyas at their camps to talk to their relatives for free. The booths are out of order for long, but why?” questioned Ataullah.

He demanded the government recover all the illegal SIMs being used by the Rohingya people and repair the telephone booths in their camps to ensure their communication with relatives. He also demanded that the cases filed against Rohingyas over illegal trade and attacks on local people be properly dealt with.

M Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, chairman of Palongkhali Union Parishad of Ukhiya upazila in Cox’s Bazar and also member secretary of the committee, said, “The local people are in grave danger today due to Rohingyas who are carrying out various illegal activities using mobile networks of both Myanmar and Bangladesh.”

Observing that the telecommunications ministry is making misleading arguments about the illegal SIMs used by the Rohingyas instead of confiscating the SIMS, he said, “The argument that providing legal SIMs to Rohingyas will put a stop to the usage of illegal SIMs is just ridiculous.”

“Rather, the government should take initiative to stop the usage of illegal SIMs by Rohingyas. The decision to give local SIMs will be suicidal. We cannot accept this decision,” he added.

Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association President Mohiuddin Ahmed said, “Whenever any allegation is raised, the BTRC send its officials to the camps to investigate illegal use of Bangladeshi SIMs by Rohingyas. But unfortunately, we do not see any outcome. No legal action has been taken so far.”

Alleging that a huge amount of money is being laundered to Myanmar through mobile banking services, he said, “But, the current posts and telecommunications minister and BTRC chairman have failed to take necessary measures in this regard. Instead, they are planning to give a highest of five Bangladeshi SIM cards to each Rohingya through the legal process.”

“If the Rohingyas get Bangladeshi SIMs, not only the mobile operators would be immensely benefited, but anarchy, terrorism and drug abuse will also increase in the camps,” he said, adding that the government should seize all the illegal SIMs first, and then take necessary steps consulting with the experts and different stakeholders.

Former DIG Anwar Hossain and Labour Party General Secretary Abdullah Mamun, among others, addressed the human chain.