Bangladesh Shuts Down Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Other Social Media Platforms

Bangladesh has enacted a ban on several major social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube, effective from Friday, August 2. This decision restricts access to these widely-used platforms across the country.

Global Eyes News first reported the ban on its official X account, confirming that from August 2, these social networks would be inaccessible throughout Bangladesh. This action follows a similar move by Turkey, which also imposed a ban on Instagram earlier the same day.

The new ban comes after a previous suspension of Meta’s platforms, Instagram and Facebook, in July. That shutdown was a response to significant unrest over quota reforms. Sources indicate that Meta’s platforms were cut off via mobile networks around 12:15 PM on August 2. Unlike the previous broader shutdown, the current restrictions primarily affect mobile data connections.

Reports indicate that internet speeds had returned to normal levels as of August 1. However, with many mobile network users impacted by the Facebook ban, there is anticipated to be an increase in Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage, which could slow down overall internet speeds.

The recent ban is part of a broader pattern of internet restrictions in July. Mobile internet was initially disabled on July 17, followed by a broadband shutdown on July 18. While broadband services were partially restored on July 23, mobile networks remained offline until July 28.