The Global Network Initiative (GNI), a global multistakeholder organization focused on freedom of expression and privacy in the technology sector, welcomes the interim government’s early commitments to prioritize human rights and supports efforts to make them a foundation of its digital ecosystem and policies in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs), as well as other international best practices on human rights.
We join the chorus of Bangladesh citizens, international organizations, and other actors in expressing deep concern about the widespread and long-standing repression and violence that has been perpetrated against human rights defenders, journalists, minority communities and student protesters in Bangladesh, especially since early July 2024. Amid growing accounts of horrific violence and targeting of journalists and media houses, GNI condemns the former government’s decision to restrict access to information by blocking connectivity without judicial orders, or clear, properly reasoned, and publicly available explanations that satisfy the legal and constitutional conditions for such restriction. Freedom of expression, privacy, and freedom of association and assembly are all protected under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, which Bangladesh has ratified, as well as Bangladesh’s Constitution.
As GNI has consistently pointed out in our statements and resources related to network disruptions, disrupting access to the internet and mobile applications is costly and has disproportionate impacts. The recent shutdown in Bangladesh has cost at least US$10 billion in loss, according to the country’s digital e-commerce sector. The consequences are far-reaching. Financial services were crippled, with ATMs going offline and people unable to access their money. In addition, healthcare was severely disrupted, as blood bank communication systems collapsed, hindering vital services. These impacts are often extenuated in the context of periods of protest and instability, as they can impact individuals’ ability to keep themselves safe and access emergency services.
We support the new Post, Information and Communications Technology Advisor’s decision to investigate the former government’s internet shutdowns that took place between July and August, looking for legislative changes that restrict illegal shutdowns in the future. We also welcome the interim government’s commitment to prioritise an inclusive process, and appeal to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, privacy, association and peaceful assembly. We strongly support efforts to:
GNI remains eager to engage with the interim government to ensure protection for people’s fundamental freedoms and digital rights under international best practices and principles. GNI strongly encourages other governments, international organizations, companies, civil society organizations, and technologists to continue working together to support the ability of citizens to exercise their human rights, including through initiatives like the Freedom Online Coalition’s Task Force on Internet Shutdowns. You can learn more about GNI’s research and advocacy on network disruptions here, including our one-page guide on the impacts of network disruptions.
As a multistakeholder organization comprising many of the world’s leading tech companies, academics, civil society organizations, and investors, GNI works to protect and advance freedom of expression and privacy rights in the technology ecosystem. Based on the diverse experiences and expertise of our membership, our approach generates collaboration towards a more rights-respecting legal environment for technology users around the world.