Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) today complained that the staff of mobile and internet service providers are facing restrictions from the law enforcement agencies at different places across the country.

They said the restrictions were being imposed on the staff although the government has declared telecommunication and internet as emergency services and asked them to maintain their services round the clock.

In a press release issued today, AMTOB said in some places of the country, officials and representatives of the mobile operators have faced challenges from law enforcement agencies during their official work, including network management, recharge and distribution, as well as customer service.

However, the association did not mention the number of such incidents or the places where those occurred.

“We would like to request the responsible officials of law enforcement agencies to communicate with their field officials so that the mobile operators can provide uninterrupted services across the country and keep their offices open without any disruption,” the AMTOB release read.

Earlier this month, the public administration ministry declared telecommunication and internet services as emergency utility services along with electricity, water, gas, fire service and cleaning operations during the 10-day countrywide closure that the government declared to restrict coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The government also asked the authorities concerned to continue providing their services and keep their offices open during the closure.