Mobile internet services and social media platforms were once again shut down in Bangladesh on Sunday amidst the ongoing student protests demanding the resignation of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. This move has sparked concerns about freedom of expression and access to information in the country.
The shutdown of mobile internet services was reported by users across the country around noon on Sunday. Shortly after, social media platforms were also blocked, limiting the ability of citizens to communicate and share information online. State minister for information and broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat justified the decision by stating that the temporary blockage was necessary to prevent the spread of rumors.
Leading telecom operator Grameenphone confirmed in a statement that they were ordered by the authorities to shut down mobile internet services. Banglalink also issued a similar statement. However, telecom operator Robi Axiata and state-owned operator Teletalk refrained from commenting on the matter. Despite media reports suggesting otherwise, state minister for posts, telecommunications, and information technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak denied any involvement in the shutdown of mobile internet services.
This is not the first time that the government has resorted to such measures. On August 2, several social media platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, and Telegram, were inaccessible for about seven hours. Grameenphone and Banglalink later confirmed that they were instructed by the authorities to block these platforms. Robi Axiata chose not to comment, while Teletalk claimed they did not receive any such order.
The government had previously shut down the internet, both mobile and broadband, across the country on July 18 during the quota reform protests. Services were partially restored on July 23, with broadband fully restored on July 24 on a trial basis, and mobile internet reinstated on July 28. However, access to social media platforms remained restricted until July 31 when the government finally unblocked them.
The repeated shutdowns of mobile internet services and social media platforms in Bangladesh raise concerns about the government’s commitment to freedom of expression and access to information. These actions not only disrupt communication among citizens but also hinder the flow of information, particularly during times of unrest and protests.
As the student protests continue to demand political change in Bangladesh, the government’s decision to block mobile internet services and social media platforms further highlights the importance of safeguarding digital rights and ensuring that citizens have the freedom to express themselves and access information online. It remains to be seen how these restrictions will impact the ongoing protests and the overall democratic landscape in the country.