Bangladesh's Internet Shutdown: Isolating Citizens and Disrupting Business
Introduction: The Digital Isolation of Bangladesh
Md. Rakibul Ahsan, a skilled graphic designer, was on the verge of completing a crucial project for an international client when an abrupt internet shutdown in Bangladesh thwarted his efforts. This sudden disconnection left Ahsan and the entire nation offline, illustrating the profound impact of such disruptions on both personal and professional lives.
Protests and Government Response: A Nation in Turmoil
Recent student-led protests against job quotas in Bangladesh escalated into violent clashes, resulting in at least 147 deaths. In response, the government imposed a countrywide curfew, deployed military patrols, and enforced a comprehensive internet blackout on July 18. This strategy, previously used during elections and at refugee camps, aimed to curb the unrest.
Judicial Interventions and Partial Victories
The Supreme Court intervened on Sunday, reversing a lower court's decision that had reinstated the contentious job quotas. This ruling, which favored merit-based appointments, marked a partial victory for the protesting students in a country grappling with a severe jobs crisis.
Gradual Restoration of Connectivity
Broadband services began to return on Wednesday, starting with banks and the corporate sector. However, the gradual reconnection left many, like Ahsan, in professional limbo. The week-long outage jeopardized relationships with clients, especially for freelancers and online marketers who rely heavily on continuous internet access.
The Economic Toll on Small Businesses
The shutdown severely impacted small businesses, the backbone of Bangladesh's economy. Ferdaus Ara Begum, head of the Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) think tank, highlighted the immense stress on enterprises. Faysal Ahmed, who runs a family business manufacturing wooden houses, struggled to connect with customers and keep his employees productive during the outage.
Tourism and Manufacturing: Hard-Hit Sectors
Tour operators, like Masuk Rahman, faced cancellations and refunds during a peak tourist season. Similarly, garment workers like Ripon Hossain found themselves without pay as factories and banks remained closed. The disruption to automated teller machines (ATMs) left many without cash, compounding the economic strain.
Social and Psychological Impacts
The internet blackout also took a significant social toll. Syed Tanveer Rahman, a psychology professor at Dhaka University, noted the heightened anxiety among youth and the spread of rumors in the absence of reliable information. Social media platforms, which many relied on for updates and communication, went silent, deepening the sense of isolation.
Personal Struggles Amid the Blackout
Individuals like Shaikh Md. Mominul Islam, a gender activist, experienced acute isolation and anxiety during the curfew and internet shutdown. Cut off from essential services and unable to access cash, many like Islam faced severe mental and emotional challenges.
Global Outcry for Digital Rights
International activists and organizations condemned the internet shutdown, calling for the immediate restoration of access. Digital rights nonprofit Access Now emphasized that such shutdowns are disproportionate and ineffective in quelling violence, often exacerbating the situation by preventing the counteraction of misinformation.
Historical Precedents and Future Implications
Bangladesh has a history of using internet shutdowns to control dissent, notably during the 2018 election and at Rohingya refugee camps. These actions have drawn criticism for hindering humanitarian efforts and restricting free speech. The partial restoration of internet services brought some relief, but full access, including social media, remains crucial for restoring normalcy.
The Integral Role of the Internet in Modern Life
Ferdaus Ara Begum from BUILD stressed the importance of prioritizing internet access to resume everyday activities. The recent crisis underscores the internet's integral role in the economy and its pervasive influence on daily life. Ensuring stable and unrestricted digital access is essential for economic stability and social well-being.
Conclusion: Navigating the Digital Age Amid Crisis
The internet shutdown in Bangladesh highlights the profound and multifaceted impacts of digital isolation. From disrupting businesses and severing communication to exacerbating social anxiety, the blackout's repercussions are far-reaching. As Bangladesh navigates these challenges, the necessity of reliable internet access becomes ever more apparent, emphasizing its critical role in contemporary society and governance.