IN a span of only 48 hours, the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission for the second time slowed mobile internet speed by shutting down 3G and 4G services yesterday afternoon. The BTRC ordered all mobile phone operators to maintain it till 12pm on Sunday. The 2G internet would be available and the users could send and receive only text message and voice-call services. But they would not be able to stream or upload pictures or videos due to the low-speed mobile internet. Besides, use of communication apps would also be nearly impossible. Several users have expressed dissatisfaction over the situation. However, there was no interruption in broadband service so far.
The internet users are facing this problem due to extra precautionary measures taken by the law enforcement agencies to intercept “provocation, rumour and propaganda” by the vested quarter ahead and during the polls. Intelligence unit of police suggested to slow down internet speed in a meeting with Election Commission on December 13 where CEC and representatives of all security and intelligence agencies were present. A senior police official proposed to check live coverage of television channels from the spot and suggested to remain cautious before issuing press cards to journalists. They all gave importance about spreading fake news on social media.
We do appreciate the decisions taken to ensure a violence-free atmosphere during today’s election. But there is another side which we shouldn’t ignore. Over six crore people are currently using the 3G and 4G mobile internet on their smart phones and tabs. Apart from using social media, a huge number of people utilize the internet facility for local and international business purposes; such as sending or receiving documents, making video conference call, and etcetera. The worst sufferers from internet shut down are the media persons. It will make them impossible to send and receive news-related photos and videos from the spot.
We do agree that there is no alternative but to maintain high alert during election as vested quarters could take an effort to create an abnormal situation in a bid to make the polls questionable. It’s a matter of state security. But the security measures should not be taken in an old-fashioned way where a number of people suffer financial losses too.
