During the trial concerning crimes against humanity, details of the deliberate communication blackout during mass unrest in Bangladesh were disclosed. Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader coordinated the crackdown on protests and ordered direct internet restrictions. Recorded telephone conversations confirm the existence of a clear chain of command in these decisions.
It was revealed that on July 16, 2024, Quader instructed State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak to slow down the internet. Palak cleared these actions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, after which the order was immediately executed. That same evening, mobile operators completely shut down 3G and 4G networks across 59 universities in the country.
In addition to mobile data, popular social networks and messaging platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok, were heavily restricted. The recordings also indicate discussions on using lethal weapons and helicopters to disperse demonstrations, which led to casualties, including several students in Chattogram.
The country's leadership planned to discredit the protesters before the international community by labeling them as criminals and radicals. Several other high-ranking officials are implicated in the case, including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former Law Minister Anisul Huq, former Information Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, and leaders of the ruling party's youth wings.
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