BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused the government of infringing upon people's rights through the restriction of internet access.
In fear of a mass uprising, the government is implementing a new strategy to curtail people's rights through digital shutdowns, Fakhrul told a press conference, organized by the BNP's media cell to denounce all forms of digital suppressions, at the party chief's Gulshan office on Sunday.
This was evident when the government shut down internet services on the first day of BNP's rally, disrupting the party's program, the veteran politician alleged.
In a recent press conference, Fakhrul raised concerns about the harassment faced by not only BNP leaders and activists but also free-minded non-partisan individuals due to the Digital Security Act. He accused the government of using internet shutdowns and digitalization as tools to suppress opposition.
Fakhrul alleged that the government is employing the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) as a modern tool to oppress people, which blatantly violates civil rights.
Moreover, he highlighted that people are not only facing internet shutdowns but are also being subjected to harassment in the form of random detentions and intrusive searches of their personal mobile phones on the streets.
The BNP secretary general expressed his apprehension that the future might see further restrictions on people's digital rights as politics continues to take precedence.
In light of these developments, Fakhrul warned of a potential narrowing of digital rights in the coming days.
According to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the government is acquiring surveillance technology from foreign sources and utilizing it to collect information on the public.
He said despite facing various forms of government oppression, the BNP's movement is persevering and advancing towards its ultimate goal – the ousting of the Awami League government.
Meanwhile, the BNP in a press release accused the Awami League government of resorting to new methods of repression, with the latest addition being internet shutdowns.
Internet blackouts and throttling have been reported during the BNP's protest rallies. Media reports indicate that Bangladeshi mobile phone operators are being compelled by the government to impose blackouts and throttling, the party said.
Amidst the ongoing situation, the BNP said it is vehemently protesting internet shutdowns during their rally. The BNP said if it comes to power in the future, it will hold accountable those responsible for infringing upon people's fundamental rights through such shutdowns, seeking justice in the appropriate courts.
Furthermore, the BNP urged all telecom operators to refrain from participating in internet shutdowns and to publicly disclose any orders from the government for internet shutdowns.
