There are about 50,000 SIM cards by Bangladeshi mobile operators beyond the border in the Arakkan, Myanmar, which are being used in alarming activities.
These unregistered SIM cards of Grameenphone, Robi, Citycell and Airtel are being used for smuggling of arms and Yabba, sources near the border said.
Criminals and citizens of Myanmar are using Bangladeshi network to establish communication with the whole world, posing a threat to Bangladesh.
Mobile network companies are aware of this matter and have extended their network frequency to a vast area of Myanmar for revenue.
A customer care official of Robi sought strict anonimity in telling the Dhaka Tribune that there are about 50,000 illegal SIM cards of various Bangladeshi companies in Myanmar.
“Revenues are earned in lakhs from these connections. These SIM cards passed the border long ago when there was flexible regulations on the purchase.”
Teknaf 42 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Captain Lt Col Abuzer Al Zahid admitted to the Dhaka Tribune of the availability of mobile network in Myanmar territory.
“The matter is concerning,” he said, promising to inform his higher authorities regarding the matter.
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ruhul Amin also admitted to the matter and said steps will soon be made for border security and prevent smuggling.
Talks will be held quick with mobile operators regarding these illegal SIM cards and limit the frequency near the border area, he told the Dhaka Tribune.
