Facebook and its associated messaging services, including Messenger, have been inaccessible across Bangladesh since Friday, according to a statement issued by the US-based technology company. The disruption comes amid heightened political tension and widespread unrest following the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh.
Although the Bangladeshi authorities have not officially acknowledged blocking Facebook or its services, the timing of the outage has raised concerns among civil society groups, journalists, and digital rights advocates. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, play a critical role in Bangladesh’s information ecosystem, serving as a primary source of news, communication, and business engagement for millions of users.
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Context of the Disruption
The outage follows violent clashes in the port city of Chattogram (formerly Chittagong), where at least four people were killed after police opened fire on demonstrators. The protesters were reportedly affiliated with Hefazat-e-Islam, an Islamist organisation that strongly opposed Prime Minister Modi’s visit. The group accuses Modi’s government of pursuing policies that marginalise Muslim communities in India.
Demonstrations erupted in several parts of the country, prompting heightened security measures. In the past, Bangladeshi authorities have imposed digital restrictions during periods of unrest, citing the need to prevent the spread of misinformation and to maintain public order.
Facebook’s Response
Facebook expressed deep concern over the disruption of its services, particularly during a period when access to reliable information remains essential due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A company spokesperson stated:
“We are deeply concerned by the restrictions placed on our services in Bangladesh, especially at a time when open communication and access to reliable information are vital for public health, safety, and civic engagement.”
The company added that it was seeking clarity from local authorities regarding the nature and duration of the outage.
Political and Historical Significance
Prime Minister Modi’s visit marked his first international trip since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. His presence in Dhaka formed part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. Despite the symbolic significance of the visit, opposition groups viewed it as politically provocative, leading to nationwide protests and calls for strikes.
Previous Internet Restrictions in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has a documented history of imposing internet and social media restrictions during times of political instability:
| Year | Event | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Opposition-led protests | Social media platforms blocked |
| 2018 | Student protests over road safety | Internet speeds throttled |
| 2019 | Election-related unrest | Mobile internet services shut down |
Impact of the Facebook Outage
The suspension of Facebook and Messenger has disrupted daily communication for millions of Bangladeshis, affecting small businesses, freelancers, journalists, and community organisers. Given Facebook’s central role in digital mobilisation and information dissemination, the restriction appears aimed at limiting protest coordination and controlling public narratives during a volatile period.
Digital rights advocates warn that repeated internet shutdowns risk undermining freedom of expression, economic activity, and public trust in institutions. As Bangladesh continues to navigate political sensitivities, the balance between security concerns and digital freedoms remains a growing challenge.