After a nationwide communications shutdown a few days ago, broadband internet services in Bangladesh have been partially reinstated and are now operational in selected areas and business sectors, while mobile internet access continues to remain unavailable.
Fixed broadband services in Bangladesh were slated to be completely restored by Wednesday night, however, the government confirmed that mobile internet access would remain offline until at least Sunday or Monday next week, thereby continuing to leave a large portion of the population disconnected from online services.
Bangladesh experienced a blackout of internet services following violent student protests against a new jobs quota system.
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On Tuesday, fixed-line broadband internet connectivity in the country was partially restored in certain areas on a trial basis, with priority given to sectors such as banking, commerce, technology, exports, outsourcing, and media.
According to Md Emdadul Hoque, President of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), approximately 40% of broadband connections across Bangladesh had been restored, with expectations that the majority of the remaining lines would be reconnected immediately.
However, mobile internet services in Bangladesh continue to remain offline. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT, confirmed during a press briefing that mobile internet would not be restored until at least Sunday or Monday.
Several sectors are assessing the financial impact garnered as a result of sparse online connection over five days. These businesses rely heavily on mobile internet to function and are consequently experiencing significant losses.
Media reports highlight that the telecoms and digital commerce sectors are losing millions of U.S. dollars daily due to the mobile internet outage. Additionally, mobile financial services have reportedly been disrupted, leaving many individuals without access to their funds.
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