The government is likely to allow the operation of social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok in Bangladesh from Wednesday, around two weeks after the services were suspended following the violent turn of the quota reform protests across the country.
However, the resumption of Facebook services will depend on a satisfactory explanation to the government letter sent to Meta, sources with knowledge of the matter said.
On 17 July, amid the protests demanding the abolition of job quotas, the government shut down broadband, mobile internet, and social media platforms. As the situation normalized, the government restored mobile internet services last Sunday. Prior to this, on the night of July 21, broadband internet services were restored nationwide.
On Sunday, after a meeting with the Association of Mobile Phone Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) and intelligence agencies at the BTRC conference room, State Minister for Telecommunication and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak hinted at the resumption of social media platforms alongside mobile internet, though with some conditions.
Last Saturday, the government sent a letter to Facebook, detailing incidents of violence, misinformation, and rumors that it believs led to chaos in the country over the past month and requested the removal of certain content.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, “They blocked 50 pages and accounts associated with the Awami League. However, similar content from the BNP remains unaddressed. Facebook has not taken responsible action regarding incidents of arson, terrorism, and murder. Several hours after false information and rumors were spread via Facebook, five people died. Can Facebook avoid responsibility for this?”
Palak added, “We have asked for a written and verbal explanation from them. A decision will be made once they come to Dhaka and provide a proper explanation regarding these issues.”
