The 4G network in Bangladesh has been suspended again following a directive from a government agency issued after 12 PM today, Sunday. This suspension affects mobile internet access, leaving only 2G services operational for voice calls. Over 120 million people in the country rely on mobile internet.
The directive to mobile operators states that the 4G network will remain shut until further notice.
This decision follows ongoing disruptions related to the quota reform movement. Since the night of July 17, mobile internet and broadband services were suspended due to clashes. Broadband internet was partially restored five days later on July 23, and mobile internet resumed on July 28, although access to Meta platforms like Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok remained blocked. While YouTube was available via broadband, it was inaccessible through mobile data.
On July 31, social media platforms including Facebook were reactivated after 2 PM. However, on Friday, August 2, Meta platform caches and Telegram were briefly blocked on mobile networks before being restored after five and a half hours.
Today, the anti-inequality student movement has called for a total non-cooperation strike demanding government resignation. This has led to clashes in various parts of the country, including Dhaka. In Munshiganj, two people were killed in the violence, prompting the latest directive to suspend mobile internet services.
