The internet shutdown during the events of July 2024 was a deliberate measure designed to conceal the extent of violence and casualties among protesters. The widespread communication blackout aimed to prevent information about victims from reaching audiences both locally and internationally, while also disrupting coordination among demonstrators and slowing down the movement.
The Role of Leadership and the Scale of the Tragedy
The decision to suspend internet access was made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following advice from her ICT adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy, while former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and adviser Salman F. Rahman were involved in its execution. On July 18 and 19, 2024, security forces and armed activists opened fire on private university students in the Badda and Rampura areas of Dhaka, resulting in 30 to 40 deaths there. With internet services disabled, citizens relied solely on mobile phone calls to share information about detentions and raids.
During the nationwide clashes involving police, Border Guard Bangladesh personnel, and Awami League activists, approximately 1,400 people lost their lives and 25,000 were injured. Calls for accountability for these crimes against humanity target Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Salman F. Rahman, former State Minister for Information Mohammad Ali Arafat, and other officials of the former administration.
With the HiroVPN service, users remain protected from such issues with network restrictions and access blocks.
