The government of Bangladesh has introduced an entire ban on several major social media apps and communication channels. Starting this Friday, August 2, the ban restricts access to some popular sites such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, among others.
This move comes after Turkey took the same stance earlier in the day, announcing a ban on Instagram. An official explanation for the action has not yet been provided by the Bangladeshi government. But Bangladesh has already taken such action; in reaction to major agitation over quota changes, the government blocked access to Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, in July.
The latest ban was first reported by Global Eyes News through their official X account, confirming the nationwide restriction on these widely used apps. The ban has sparked concern among citizens who rely on these platforms for communication, entertainment, and business activities.
In a related development, Turkey’s national communications authority, BTK, announced on Friday that access to Instagram had been blocked. The decision was posted on BTK’s website, stating that “instagram.com has been blocked by a decision on the date of 02/08/2024,” without further details. This action followed accusations of censorship against Instagram by a high-ranking Turkish official. Many users in Turkey reported being unable to refresh their Instagram feeds, an issue confirmed by AFP journalists.
The simultaneous prohibitions in Turkey and Bangladesh draw attention to an expanding pattern of governmental control over online communication. The proper balance between national security considerations and the public’s right to free speech and information access is called into doubt by these acts.
These prohibitions have a profound effect on residents’ day-to-day lives in both nations. The restriction in Bangladesh impedes the utilization of vital communication tools, which may have an impact on interpersonal, academic, and professional relationships. It is unclear how long these limits will be in effect and whether any action will be made to allay public worries as the situation moves forward.
