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Online Desk/

The Awami League government is constantly choosing new methods of repression. BNP has alleged that the latest addition is ‘Internet shutdown’ (Internet control). The party says that if it comes to power in the future, those involved in curtailing people’s fundamental rights through internet shutdown will be prosecuted in appropriate courts.

In a press release on Sunday, the information and technology affairs secretary of the party, AKM Wahiduzzaman, said that usually these three types of internet shutdown are done: ‘blackout’, ‘throttling’ and ‘social media platform block’. Incidents of internet ‘blackouts’ and ‘throttling’ are happening at BNP protest rally venues during rallies. Awami League government is forcing mobile phone operators to do ‘blackout’ and ‘throttling’.

Protesting the internet shutdown, Wahiduzzaman said that if the BNP comes to power in the future, it will prosecute those involved in curtailing the fundamental rights of the people through the internet shutdown in appropriate courts. At the same time, all telecom operators providing telecommunication services are requested to refrain from shutting down the internet and publish all the instructions of the government to shut down the internet.

“Blackout” and “throttling” undermine people’s right to information, he said. When the free flow of information is impeded, it facilitates the spread of rumors and misinformation online, which in turn can incite political, social and religious violence. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure citizens’ right to internet connection. States should not act against human rights by unreasonably curtailing or restricting a citizen’s right to access the Internet.

Wahiduzzaman said that political parties that are under the threat of free surveillance by the government these days use the internet as an effective medium for secure communication with their leaders and activists. ‘Blackouts’ and ‘throttling’ disrupt party communications and violate freedom of movement, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and fundamental freedoms. Internet shutdown hinders the conduct of a fair, free and impartial election. In addition, internet shutdowns limit or undermine democratic rights and move a country away from sustainable development goals.