Mobile phone users on Friday claimed that they are facing disruptions in the network and internet services on their cell phones near the venue of the BNP's rally at Naya Paltan, Dhaka.
However, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has not made any official announcements in this regard. However, it had earlier said voice and data services become slow in places where there are massive crowds.
Journalists on the spot to cover the event made the same complaint.
They said that neither 3G nor 4G mobile services are working properly. It is not possible to exchange information or images due to disruption in internet services.
Many people at the rally venue said although the rally started at 2pm, internet services were interrupted from noon.
In order to use the internet for emergency cases, people are having to leave the Naya Paltan area and go to the neighbouring area.
Bangladesh Mobile Consumer Association President Mohiuddin Ahmed said the BTRC is an independent sovereign organization. This institution is accountable to the state and the people of the state. “But unfortunately, we notice that the directives of this commission are being followed for political purposes. It is very sad that the news has been published in the media that instructions have been given to shut down the mobile internet network in the Naya Paltan area from 12 noon today (Friday).”
Thousands of leaders and activists of the BNP have gathered in front of the party's Naya Paltan central office for its grand rally to press home its demand for a non-partisan government during the general election.
