Internet service providers (ISPs) on Wednesday warned that countrywide internet services could face disruption if the authorities concerned fail to arrest within the next 24 hours those behind a spate of attacks, vandalism, looting, and extortion targeting ISP offices, network infrastructure and staff.

The warning came at a human chain organised by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association (BMPCA) in front of the Jatiya Press Club, protesting the recent wave of attacks on ISP establishments across the country.

Speaking at the programme, Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) President Aminul Hakim said suspects behind an incident in Chattogram remained at large 24 hours after it occurred, leaving ISP owners and employees fearful.

He warned that if the extortionists are not arrested within the next 24 hours, service could collapse on its own as providers struggle to maintain uninterrupted operations.

ISPAB Secretary General Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan said the association's mandate is not street agitation, but that ISPs have been forced onto the streets to demand their own security after extortionists went unarrested despite the presence of law enforcement in Chattogram.

He said a decision on tougher action would be taken if steps are not taken within 24 hours, urging the government not to force them into further programmes.

Speakers at the human chain said the continued attacks, vandalism, looting, land-grabbing and extortion against ISPs are disrupting not only entrepreneurs but the daily lives, education, healthcare, business, freelancing, e-commerce, mobile banking and government digital services of millions of internet subscribers, describing internet connectivity as essential digital infrastructure rather than merely a commercial service.

BMPCA President Mohiuddin Ahmed said deliberately disrupting internet service is a serious offence, and attacks, vandalism, looting, extortion or destruction of networks that deprive the public of internet access should be treated with equal severity.

The human chain placed a five-point- maximum security for internet infrastructure, data centres, fibre optic networks, towers and ISP offices, swift arrest and exemplary punishment under existing law for those involved in attacks, vandalism, looting, land-grabbing and extortion, treating disruption of internet services causing public suffering and digital economic losses as a serious economic and digital offence, with necessary legal action, coordinated security for ISPs involving law enforcement agencies, local administration and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC); and top priority for internet infrastructure security to keep the digital economy, online education, healthcare, e-commerce, mobile banking and government digital services running smoothly.

Speakers urged the government, law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to take immediate, strict and effective action against the perpetrators and ensure exemplary punishment.