Symbolic Shutdown Scrapped: Internet Blackout Plan Withdrawn Amid Social Media Backlash
Following public criticism on social media, the previously announced plan for a one-minute symbolic internet blackout has been withdrawn. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki made the announcement on his social media account on Thursday morning, July 3.
In his post, Farooki expressed regret that the controversial program was re-included in the July Commemoration calendar despite being excluded during the initial planning phase. He also confirmed that the calendar would be promptly revised.
Sharing a link to his post, Farooki wrote:
"Since the planning stage of the July Commemoration Program, we had reservations about one particular agenda. The ‘one-minute internet blackout’ never felt like a great idea. We excluded it a few times, yet it somehow slipped back into the final program. This can happen when a large team works on an ambitious event. However, we are grateful to everyone who shared their opinions with us. After holding an emergency internal meeting, we’ve decided to officially drop the symbolic internet blackout. A revised calendar slide will be shared shortly."
He added that all other programs in the commemorative lineup would remain unchanged. “Let’s reconnect, regroup, and reignite the very July fire,” Farooki concluded.
Earlier, on June 25, the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser had released the 36-day program details, which included cultural and digital events.
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Notably, in July last year, Bangladesh experienced its first prolonged internet blackout. The mobile internet (including 4G services) was shut down at 1:29 AM on the night of July 17, based on an order issued by then-General Ziaul Haque’s NTMC. The directive to suspend broadband services came after 7:30 PM on July 18, with full implementation around 9:00 PM. Internet services were not restored until July 28 at 2:41 PM.
This extended digital blackout marked an unprecedented chapter in the country’s technological and political history.
