Internet users across the country may experience significantly slower speeds or partial service disruptions starting tonight, as the nation’s second submarine cable system, SEA-ME-WE-5 (SMW5), undergoes emergency repair work.

In a press release issued by Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCPLC), the authority confirmed that a maintenance programme titled ‘S.1.5.1 Shunt Fault Repair’ has been initiated by the SMW5 consortium at the Kuakata landing station.

The maintenance is scheduled to commence at 10:00 PM (Bangladesh Standard Time) on 9 April 2026 and is expected to conclude at 6:00 AM on 13 April 2026. The total duration of the work is estimated to be three days and eight hours.

According to BSCPLC, the repairs are classified as “traffic affecting” for circuits directed towards Singapore. While users may notice a drop in performance, the authorities clarified that services via the country’s first submarine cable, SEA-ME-WE-4 (SMW4), will remain fully operational to mitigate the impact.

The General Manager (Operations and Maintenance) of BSCPLC stated that every effort is being made to coordinate with the consortium to complete the repairs as swiftly as possible and restore normal service within the stipulated timeframe.

The BSCPLC management expressed their sincere apologies to customers for the temporary inconvenience caused by this essential infrastructure work.