The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has accused the government of using internet shutdowns as a tool to suppress opposition movements.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the BNP, has condemned the government's measures, stating that they limit people's access to the internet and freedom of speech. He alleged that the government used digital weapons against opposition leaders, including shutting down the internet and monitoring their devices, infringing on their privacy. The BNP asked that the Digital Security Act be repealed immediately, claiming that internet shutdowns severely infringe on civil rights that harm millions of people locally and globally.
The BNP leader highlighted specific incidents of internet shutdowns, questioned the necessity of such actions, and pointed out that access to the internet is crucial for the freedom of expression. According to a report by Access Now, Bangladesh ranked fifth in the world for internet shutdowns, raising further concerns about the country's digital rights state.