Bangladesh is facing the looming threat of widespread telecom disruptions as an ongoing fuel crisis continues to worsen, raising concerns over the country’s critical infrastructure and economic stability.
The warning came from the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), which on April 20 formally alerted the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) that mobile network operations are at serious risk due to prolonged fuel shortages.
Bangladesh, a nation of approximately 170 million people, relies heavily on imported energy, with around 95 percent of its oil and gas sourced from abroad—primarily the Middle East.
According to AMTOB, the crisis has already begun to disrupt operations. In its communication to the regulator, the association stated that “the situation has escalated beyond operational control,” highlighting that telecom companies are struggling to maintain services amid unreliable electricity and dwindling diesel supplies required for backup systems.
The group further warned that “if these conditions persist, there is an imminent risk of large-scale telecom network shutdowns across significant parts of the country,” signaling a potential communications crisis that could affect millions of users.
Telecom infrastructure in Bangladesh is highly dependent on continuous power supply, particularly for data centers that manage network traffic. These facilities consume between 500 to 600 liters of diesel per hour—amounting to nearly 4,000 liters daily per site. However, local fuel stations have been unable to meet this demand due to ongoing shortages.
AMTOB Secretary General Mohammad Zulfikar underscored the gravity of the situation, stating in remarks to AFP on April 20 that “a partial or complete network blackout could bring calls, internet, SMS and all other services to a standstill or cause severe disruption.” He further explained that data centers act as the “command hubs” of telecom networks, and their failure would lead to cascading outages across the system.
The fuel crisis has been compounded by recent government price hikes. On April 19, authorities increased diesel prices by 15 percent—from 100 to 115 taka per liter—and petrol prices by 16 percent, from 116 to 135 taka per liter. The move has sparked pressure from transport operators demanding fare adjustments, while offering little immediate relief to supply constraints.
Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud defended the price adjustments, telling reporters on April 20 that the increase was unavoidable due to global market conditions. “The entire world has adjusted prices—even the United States,” he said, referencing broader international energy price shifts linked to geopolitical tensions.
Despite directives to boost fuel supply at revised prices, the situation on the ground remains critical. Long queues at fuel stations continue across the country, with some drivers reporting wait times of up to 16 hours.
“I waited for three hours and moved only a few meters,” said Md Sagar, a motorbike driver in Dhaka, speaking to AFP on April 20. Another motorist, Zakir Mia, described spending nearly 16 hours to refill his vehicle, adding that “people in the queue had to spend 10–12 hours at fuel stations.”
Broader Implications
Industry experts warn that prolonged telecom disruptions could have far-reaching consequences beyond communication. Banking, emergency services, e-commerce, and government operations all rely heavily on uninterrupted connectivity. Any sustained outage could significantly disrupt daily life and economic activity.
The crisis also highlights Bangladesh’s structural vulnerability due to its heavy dependence on imported energy. Analysts note that diversification of energy sources, investment in renewable infrastructure, and improved fuel reserve management will be critical to mitigating similar risks in the future.
As the Middle East conflict continues to impact global fuel supply chains, Bangladesh now faces mounting pressure to stabilize its domestic energy situation—or risk a cascading failure across one of its most vital service sectors.
