Internet Shutdown Disrupts Bangladeshi Economy and Daily Life

A week-long internet shutdown in Bangladesh disrupted the lives of digital workers, small businesses, and ordinary citizens. Triggered by violent protests over government job quotas, the shutdown caused widespread stress, financial losses, and social isolation. Partial connectivity has been restored, but challenges remain.

A week-long internet shutdown in Bangladesh has thrown digital workers out of work and crippled online transactions for essential services. The shutdown, which followed student-led protests against government job quotas, has also impacted mental wellbeing.

Graphic designer Md. Rakibul Ahsan lost a client due to the outage, while small businesses like Faysal Ahmed's family-owned manufacturing company are struggling to recover from losses. The shutdown also left many garment workers without cash and families unable to access online services for essential supplies.

The curfew and shutdown have created considerable stress, with social isolation exacerbating the issue. Ferdaus Ara Begum from the Dhaka-based think tank BUILD emphasized that the crisis reveals how integral the internet has become to the economy and daily life.

(With inputs from agencies.)