In the wake of catastrophic flash floods that have impacted 5.8 million people across 11 districts in Bangladesh, VEON’s digital operator, Banglalink, has stepped up with swift measures to maintain mobile network connectivity and support the affected communities. The floods, described as one of the most severe in recent memory, have isolated over a million people, with more than half a million displaced to shelters.
To tackle the crisis, Banglalink quickly established a dedicated taskforce focused on ensuring operational network connectivity in the most affected areas, while safeguarding their team’s safety. Despite significant challenges, Banglalink’s teams succeeded in restoring critical communication services, particularly in Feni, a region where maintaining uninterrupted network coverage was vital for emergency and public services.
Mohammad Emdadul Haque, Access Network Management Director at Banglalink, detailed the company’s efforts during the crisis: “In Feni, our proactive deployment of Portable Generators and strategic team placements ensured continuous mobile network service. Our field teams, navigating through challenging conditions, were pivotal in maintaining essential communications for residents and rescue operations.”
The impact of the floods has been devastating, disrupting essential services, destroying crops over 339,000 hectares, and closing 7,000 schools, affecting 1.75 million primary students. Recognizing the immense humanitarian challenge, Banglalink has collaborated with the Bangladesh Army to distribute immediate relief. So far, the company has delivered 3,300 relief packages, providing food and hygiene necessities to 15,000 people.
Furthermore, Banglalink has expanded its support through donation drives and financial contributions. From September 1 to 7, the company dedicated 20% of revenues from selected offers to its ‘Connect and Contribute’ campaign, raising funds for disaster relief.
Erik Aas, CEO of Banglalink, reflected on the company’s commitment: “These floods tested our resolve to support our community and staff. Our teams worked relentlessly to restore services, ensuring that our technology serves as a lifeline in such critical times. Our ongoing commitment to societal welfare is unwavering, and we continue to leverage our resources to aid recovery and relief efforts.”
Banglalink’s active role during the floods and other national disasters, like Cyclone Mocha in 2023, underscores its commitment to not only providing network coverage but also stepping up as a crucial support system in times of crisis. As climate-related disasters become more frequent, the importance of robust technological infrastructure and timely relief measures is ever more critical.
For more information on Banglalink’s initiatives and services, visit www.banglalink.net.
