ISPAB threatens to halt Ctg internet over DDN office attack

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has demanded the arrest of those involved in the extortion attempt and attack on the office of Digital Dot Net (DDN) in Chittagong within 24 hours. 

The association has warned that it will be forced to suspend internet services across the Chittagong division if the culprits are not brought to justice within this timeframe.

ISPAB leaders made the announcement during a press conference held at the Chittagong Press Club on Tuesday afternoon (July 14). 

Following the press conference, over a hundred officials and employees from various internet service providers in Chittagong staged a human chain in front of the press club.

On Monday afternoon, a group of armed individuals attacked and vandalized the company’s office. This incident has sparked panic among the staff, with many fearing for their safety at the workplace.

Convener of the ISPAB Chittagong Division Rajib Shahriar Rubens stated that internet service providers across the country are frequently facing extortion, threats, and harassment. ‘This is not just a problem for one company; it is a major security crisis for the entire ISP sector,’ he added.

He noted that since the country's economy, administration, and public services are heavily internet-dependent, they view the attack on internet infrastructure as an attempt to disrupt the nation's normal operations.

ISPAB presented a four-point demand which included: rapid arrest of those who were involved in the attack, strengthening security for all ISP companies, swift investigation regarding the terrorist activity and strict legal action and lastly, coordination between administration and law enforcement agencies in preventing incident.  

ISPAB leaders emphasized that internet services are currently being maintained in the public interest.

However, they stressed that if the criminals are not arrested within the 24-hour deadline, they will be compelled to shut down internet services in the Chittagong division as a stronger protest measure.

-SA