Bangladesh Considers Blocking Telegram, Botim Amid Security Concerns
Bangladesh's interim government is contemplating a block on popular messaging apps Telegram and Botim, sparking debate about security, politics, and potential consequences. The interim government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is considering this move due to concerns that these apps are being used by the banned Awami League to communicate with their exiled leader and coordinate violence within the country. Among the 244 activists arrested from recent rallies, 150 were found using Telegram and Botim for this purpose. However, the proposed ban has raised eyebrows among experts and activists. Dr B M Mainul Hossain, a professor at the University of Dhaka, warns about unintended disruptions to other services due to blanket app bans. Technologically, blocking these apps is also seen as ineffective, as users can resort to VPNs, proxies, or alternative apps, and Telegram's design makes blocking inconsistent. Critics argue that the proposed ban is more about political anxieties than security strategy. Rezaur Rahman Lenin, a human rights activist, points out the lack of legitimate aims, legal safeguards, and consideration of necessity or proportionality in the proposed ban. The government's move mirrors a tactic previously used by Sheikh Hasina's own government, which repeatedly weaponised connectivity restrictions. The interim government, under Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, is set to decide on the proposed block. If implemented, it could create inconvenience for Botim's users, mainly migrant workers. The government is urged to work with technology experts, industry representatives, and legal professionals to find a viable, proportionate solution that addresses security concerns without punishing the wider public.
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