Mobile internet services were restored in Bangladesh today after more than 10 days of disruption, but popular social media apps like Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp and YouTube remain unavailable for the time being due to the implementation of strict blocking mechanisms.
According to sources, at a meeting of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) today, mobile operators were directed to block these apps.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Posts, Telecommunications and ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and was also attended by officials from telecommunications operators and various government agencies.
Since people use social media platforms primarily for communication and entertainment, blocking popular messaging, calling and video streaming apps will severely restrict data usage.
People will stop using their data as access to social media platforms will be restricted, a representative from one mobile operator said.
The government has taken a tough stance against social media giants following the recent violence over the quota reform movement, accusing the platforms of spreading rumours and fake news.
Earlier, Palak had said on July 24 that social media platforms, especially Facebook and YouTube, were not complying with Bangladeshi law.
“They have not taken into account the local situation and are violating policy guidelines… Who is taking the risk in such a situation? [of opening the social media platforms]?” He said.
Palak said at a press conference today that he has written to social media companies, including Facebook and TikTok, asking them to respond directly by July 31.
Mobile internet was restored nationwide at around 3pm today.
In the early hours of July 17, the government shut down mobile internet amid continuing nationwide riots over the quota reform movement.
At the time, Palak said the decision had been taken “in view of the current crisis in the country and to curb the spread of fake news on social media.”