In a move that has sparked widespread concern, the Bangladeshi government has reportedly restricted access to several social media platforms in response to ongoing protests against its controversial job quota reforms. According to Global Eyes News, the restrictions began on August 2, leaving users in Bangladesh unable to access popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The social media restrictions come on the heels of a significant disruption in mobile internet services, which were only restored last Sunday after a blackout that lasted at least 12 days. The initial disruption occurred on July 17, followed by a total internet shutdown on July 18.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT, justified the restrictions by accusing social media platforms, especially Facebook and YouTube, of failing to comply with the country's laws. Palak claimed these platforms had allowed the spread of rumors and fake news, contributing to unrest. He further stated that the internet blackout was not a government directive but resulted from protesters targeting data centers in the Dhakas Mohakhali area and damaging broadband equipment.
However, this narrative has been met with skepticism. Local media sources, including The Business Standard, a leading Bangladeshi daily, have reported that the government had indeed ordered the shutdown. The paper highlighted discrepancies in the official timeline, noting that mobile internet services were disrupted on the night of July 18, while the alleged attacks on data centers occurred later that afternoon.
The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association (BMPCA) has since called for an independent inquiry to determine the true cause of the blackout, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability.
The current social media blackout follows the latest round of protests in Dhaka, where demonstrators have been calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. The protests are largely fueled by opposition to Hasina's proposal to allocate government job quotas to individuals whose relatives participated in the Bangladesh liberation movement, a move that critics argue is unfair and discriminatory.
As the situation continues to develop, the government's actions have raised significant concerns about freedom of expression and access to information in Bangladesh. The international community is closely watching the unfolding events, with many urging the government to lift the restrictions and engage in dialogue with the protesters to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Source: SCOOP
