Bangladesh has moved to restrict access to Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube as protests continue to grip the South Asian nation.
The protests, primarily led by youths and students, began as a challenge to the country’s employment policies. Despite a court ruling declaring the contentious policies unconstitutional, the demonstrators have shifted their demands to include the release of all arrested protesters, a condition that remains unmet, sparking a renewed wave of demonstrations.
Now entering their fourth week, the protests have resulted in significant violence and disruption. At least 200 people have been killed, thousands have been injured, and over 10,000 have been arrested.
The government’s decision to restrict access to popular social media platforms appears to be an attempt to control the flow of information and curb the coordination of the protests.