The Daily Star
Donations will provide immediate relief for those impacted by the internet outage in Bangladesh, including emergency food, shelter, and financial assistance. Funds will also support restoring internet services, enabling businesses to resume operations, and ensuring students and workers can reconnect and continue their activities.
In July 2024, Bangladesh experienced a significant internet outage that disrupted the lives of millions. The outage, triggered by civil unrest and subsequent government actions, led to a near-complete halt in internet services across the country. This has caused substantial financial hardships, particularly for businesses and individuals reliant on digital connectivity. The incident underscores the critical need for robust infrastructure and emergency support systems.
Starting on July 18, 2024, Bangladesh faced a severe internet outage following violent protests over a controversial government policy on job quotas. The outage, ordered by the government to curb misinformation and stabilize the situation, lasted several days and affected nearly all internet services, including mobile and broadband connections. The disruption left millions without access to essential online services, causing significant financial losses and operational challenges for businesses, particularly in the e-commerce, freelancing, and export sectors.
The financial sector was heavily impacted, with banks unable to process transactions, leading to an increase in defaulted loans and a drop in profitability. Foreign investors expressed concerns about the reliability of Bangladesh as an investment destination, predicting long-term economic repercussions if such disruptions continue. The manufacturing and retail sectors also reported losses due to supply chain interruptions and the inability to communicate with international clients.
Emergency measures were taken to provide essential services and support to those most affected by the outage. However, the incident highlighted the urgent need for better infrastructure and more resilient systems to handle such crises in the future.
This critical situation calls for immediate and sustained support to help the people of Bangladesh recover and rebuild from the impacts of this devastating internet outage. Your contributions can make a significant difference in restoring normalcy and supporting economic stability in the region.
