United News of Bangladesh

With 2024 nearing its end, one of the year’s most disturbing events remains to be the prolonged internet shutdown during the July mass uprising in Bangladesh, which not only disrupted communication but also caused an estimated loss of Tk 2,000 crore to the nation’s ICT and e-commerce sectors. The internet shutdown was enforced during the student-led mass movement against the Awami League regime led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The initial disconnection began on July 18 and continued in phases, affecting both mobile and broadband services. BMCA hails inclusion of internet access as fundamental right Although broadband internet was restored on July 24 and mobile internet resumed on July 28, social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok remained inaccessible until July 31. This period saw a significant blow to Bangladesh’s burgeoning ICT sector. According to the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), the first 10 days of the shutdown alone resulted in losses amounting to Tk 1,400 crore. By the end of the shutdown, the total estimated loss to the e-commerce industry reached Tk 2,000 crore. The impact extended beyond e-commerce, crippling banks, insurance companies, offices, and airports reliant on internet-based operations. Businesses dependent on digital marketing, content creation, and online transactions faced severe disruptions. Startups and small-scale digital entrepreneurs were particularly affected, many reporting setbacks from which recovery may take years. Besides, the decision to restrict access to social media platforms aimed to curb alleged anti-government propaganda. But these actions sparked widespread criticism, both domestically and internationally, for impeding freedom of expression and undermining the digital economy. Speakers demand recognising internet as fundamental right in Bangladesh Former ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak faced scrutiny for justifying the shutdown with claims of damage to data transmission lines by protesters. Investigations later revealed no evidence of such incidents, and his statements were dismissed as attempts to deflect criticism. This extended disconnection has been widely criticised as an unprecedented blow to Bangladesh’s ICT sector, tarnishing its reputation as an emerging digital economy. Experts have expressed concerns that such measures discourage foreign investment and hinder the sector’s overall growth. The interim government has since launched an inquiry into the incident, with ICT Advisor Nahid Islam leading efforts to assess the causes and accountability behind the decision. Preliminary findings indicate that the shutdown was implemented under direct orders from the then-Prime Minister. Internet shutdown was as per Hasina’s directive: Palak While the internet has long been heralded as a pillar of modern connectivity and economic growth, the 2024 shutdown highlights the fragility of Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure in the face of political crises. For the ICT sector, rebuilding trust and ensuring uninterrupted services remain paramount to achieving long-term stability.  

Internet services across the country were shut down during the quota reform movement as per the advice of Sheikh Hasina, said former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak on Thursday. Palak revealed this information during an interrogation at the safe house of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) investigation agency on Thursday, said ICT prosecutor Tajul Islam while talking to reporters. While testifying before the ICT investigation agency, Palak admitted that the internet shutdown was an attempt to suppress information about the July-August mass killings. The order to shut down internet services came directly from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said. Zunaid Ahmed Palak hospitalized while on remand He clarified that the internet was not shut down due to accidents or fires during the uprising. All domestic and international internet gateways were closed under Sheikh Hasina's directive to prevent information about the genocide from spreading, Palak added. On December 12, the ICT approved the interrogation of Palak about the shutdown of the internet during the July-August quota reform movement. Menon, Inu, Palak sent to jail after remand in murder case Zunaid Ahmed Palak was arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of police from Nikunja on August 14, and was later shown arrested in 46 cases, and the court granted him a 31-day remand in various cases. He was last remanded in a case filed by Jatrabari Police Station on November 9.  

Internet service providers and cable operators on Saturday suspended their previous decision to block access to the web for three hours across the country.