The recent student protests in Bangladesh, which escalated into a mass uprising and led to the ousting of the Awami League government, were marked by a nationwide internet blackout. This blackout, which lasted for five days, raised concerns about freedom of information and communication in the country. In response to this, the government has formed a seven-member committee to investigate the actual causes behind the blackout.
The committee, headed by Additional Secretary AKM Amirul Islam, will be looking into the events that led to the internet blackout. The other members of the committee are six telecom officials from various government entities. Their task is to uncover the reasons behind the blackout and determine whether it was a deliberate act by the government or a result of external factors.
The internet blackout began with mobile internet slowdowns in protest hotspots, such as the Dhaka University Campus. On 18 July, mobile internet was completely shut down across Bangladesh, followed by the disconnection of cable broadband internet later that evening. This left the entire country without internet access for five days, causing widespread disruption and concern among the population.
The government initially claimed that the blackout was necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation during the protests. However, this explanation was met with skepticism, as many believed that the blackout was a tactic to suppress dissent and control the flow of information. The government later shifted its narrative, blaming arson and damage to internet infrastructure as the reasons for the blackout, a claim that was widely rejected by internet users.
The internet blackout, along with the government’s violent response to the protests, including the shooting of unarmed protesters, drew condemnation both domestically and internationally. The widespread criticism eventually led to the ousting of the Awami League government on 5 August. An interim government, which includes two student representatives, has since taken office, signaling a new era of governance in Bangladesh.
Nahid Islam, one of the leaders of the student movement, has been appointed as an adviser to the Posts, Telecommunication, and Information Technology ministry. This move reflects the government’s recognition of the role that students played in the recent uprising and their importance in shaping the future of the country.
The formation of the committee to investigate the internet blackout is a step towards transparency and accountability in the government’s actions. It is crucial for the committee to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the truth behind the blackout and ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future. The findings of the committee will be eagerly awaited by the public, as they seek answers to the questions surrounding the blackout and its implications for freedom of information in Bangladesh.