Internet Shutdowns

[UPDATE – 23 July 2024 – 13:00 UTC] – Connectivity is gradually returning to Bangladesh. (See charts below.) After 5 days, our NetLoss calculator estimates this shutdown has cost the Bangladesh economy over $21,965,222 USD.

Data and reports show that mobile Internet has been shut down across much of Bangladesh amidst protests against the government. Media reports state that much of the protest activity is around the capital, Dhaka, and is related to quotas and hiring rules for civil service. Protests against the hiring practices have been ongoing for several days but have increased over the last day or so.

Cloudflare Radar and IODA both showed the disruption of Internet connectivity starting with mobile networks early on 18 July and advancing to a complete loss of connectivity within the country around 15:00 UTC.

The government of Bangladesh confirmed that they have ordered this shutdown. Over 40 civil society organizations that are part of the KeepItOn Coalition have signed a letter calling on the government of Bangladesh to restore Internet connectivity.

The Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) indicates that they have seen blocking of social media sites beginning back on 16 July. If you are located in Bangladesh, you can help test Internet connectivity by running OONI’s mobile probe app on your mobile device.

If the shutdown continues, our NetLoss calculator estimates there will be a loss to the Bangladesh economy of over USD $3,500,000 per day.

Read more about Bangladesh’s Internet infrastructure in our country report.

In a press event on 18 July, Bangladesh minister for posts, telecommunications, and information technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak confirmed that the government had ordered the shutdown. From a media report:

The state minister explained that the suspension was necessary to curb the spread of rumors and maintain stability amid the protests. ‘Various groups with vested interest have been spreading false information on social media, contributing to the instability. Hence, the decision to shut down mobile Internet services was made without prior notice, based on the evolving situation,’ he added.

Palak also highlighted the government’s communication with major social media platforms like Facebook, Google, YouTube, and TikTok. He expressed dissatisfaction with their privacy policies concerning the removal of controversial content.

‘We have contacted these companies, but their privacy policies regarding content removal are not satisfactory. If their actions lead to any casualties, they will not be exempt from accountability. These companies must establish data centers in Bangladesh and operate in compliance with local laws,’ he said.