The Bangladeshi government has blocked the popular messaging apps Viber and Tango yesterday in order to prevent anti-government protests.
The Bangladesh Telecommunications and Regulatory Commission banned both apps “for the time being” on orders for law enforcement and security agencies, a commission spokesperson told AFP, but there was no explanation behind the decision.
Reasons Behind the Ban
Reports suggest it was blocked to prevent protesters from exchanging information across the country, and planning their activities. Activists from Bangladesh National Party and its allies are trying to topple down the government, and blocked the nationwide transport system. The protests did turn violent where over 25 protesters lost their lives in the past two weeks. The government has deployed thousands of police, paramilitaries and an elite anti-militant force to prevent the protests, which is affecting the economy of the country as well.
The decision to block these apps is seen as a measure to curb the coordination among protesters. Viber and Tango are known for their encrypted messaging services, which makes it difficult for authorities to monitor communications. By blocking these apps, the government aims to disrupt the flow of information and make it harder for protesters to organize and mobilize.
Impact on Communication and Economy
Blocking such widely-used apps has significant implications for communication within the country. Viber and Tango are not only used by protesters but also by ordinary citizens for everyday communication. This sudden ban has left many people scrambling for alternative means of communication. Businesses that rely on these apps for customer service and internal communication are also facing disruptions.
The economic impact of the protests and the subsequent government actions cannot be understated. The nationwide transport blockade has already caused significant delays and losses in the supply chain. Businesses are struggling to operate under these conditions, and the overall economic growth of the country is at risk. The government’s decision to deploy thousands of security personnel adds to the financial burden, diverting resources that could be used for development and public services.
It remains to be seen whether blocking such apps are of any use or not, but this is not the first time we’ve seen apps and services getting blocked. In other countries, similar measures have been taken during times of political unrest. For example, during the Arab Spring, several governments in the Middle East blocked access to social media platforms to prevent the spread of dissent. However, these measures often prove to be temporary solutions, as tech-savvy users find ways to circumvent the bans using VPNs and other tools.
There’s no word on when the apps will be unbanned, but let’s hope that a peaceful resolution to the protests can be found soon. The government and opposition parties need to engage in dialogue to address the underlying issues and find a way forward that benefits all citizens. In the meantime, the people of Bangladesh will have to adapt to the new communication landscape and find alternative ways to stay connected.
Source: The Guardian, Engadget
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