Due to strict blocking measures, access to popular social media apps like Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube will remain restricted, despite the restoration of mobile internet services in Bangladesh after a 10-day outage.
During a meeting at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) today, mobile operators were instructed to enforce these restrictions. State Minister for Post, Telecom, and ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak attended the meeting, which included telecom officials and representatives from various government agencies.
With social media platforms being a primary means of communication and entertainment, the restriction of these popular apps will result in very limited data usage. An official from a mobile operator noted that the lack of access to these platforms would reduce data consumption significantly.
The government has adopted a stringent approach towards social media giants in response to recent violence related to the quota reform movement, accusing these platforms of spreading misinformation and fake news.
On July 24, Palak criticized social media platforms, particularly Facebook and YouTube, for not adhering to Bangladesh’s laws and ignoring the local situation. He questioned the risk of reopening these platforms under such conditions.
In today’s briefing, Palak announced that letters have been sent to social media companies, including Facebook and TikTok, requesting their responses by July 31.
Mobile internet was restored nationwide around 3 p.m. today, following a shutdown on July 17 due to widespread violence linked to the quota reform protests. At the time, Palak cited the need to address the crisis and curb the spread of false information as reasons for the internet suspension.
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