[Dhaka, 03 October 2024] VOICE,a human rights based research and advocacy organization conducted a workshop titled ‘Addressing Internet Shutdown as Human Rights Violation’ on 03 October 2024 at Dream Centre, SUS,Netrokona. VOICE expressed concerns over internet shutdown in Bangladesh as well as other countries. Internet shutdown are always an attack on human rights when people are disconnected, it impacts all aspects of life-from work and education,to medical care and banking. Shutdown blocks journalism,restrict free expression and community organizing and prevent documentation of human rights abuses.
During conflicts and crisis, they stop people from accessing life-saving information and humanitarian aid.In acountry, where freedom of speech and press are already under threat, these shutdowns further erodates citizens’ ability to participate in the democratic process and hold there readers accountable.
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE,said,“If there is an internet shutdown, journalists face significant challenges in reporting on elections due to several factors. Internet disruptions hinder the ability to broadcast live reports or upload news, articles and videos to news websites and social media,restricting their reach and dissemination of crucial informations.In this time, various misinformation and disinformation spread out.”
Expert Ashraful Haque from Digitally Right Limited and Engage Media said,“Intentionally obstruct all components of communication through internet is called internet shutdown.Tocommunicate in future, we need to be prepared so that internet shutdown cannot hamper our regular life. Using Bridgefy and Briar apps can be an alternative way in the time of internet shutdown. For safe browsing, using VPN which protects the data of the users is a good discision.”
The journalists got a hands on experience from the expert. Many journalists said that they didn’t had enough knowledge on internet shutdown. Some of them didn’t take into account of this matter earlier. They faced emotional dameges on the time of internet shutdown.
From the daylong session, the journalists learned some useful tools from the expert. They said they will practice those tools on their regular life.
