Dhaka: (Shadesofgalaxy) Bangladesh government has ordered to block 191 news websites for publishing anti-state news.
According to media reports, the Bangladeshi government has ordered the closure of 191 websites accused of publishing anti-state news, raising concerns about media freedom in Bangladesh.
In this regard, the Bangladesh Information Minister says that according to the report of the intelligence agencies, instructions have been issued to the telecom regulator to block the domains of the mentioned websites.
He said that these websites are involved in activities that are creating chaos and confusion in the minds of people.
Social rights organizations and foreign governments, including the United States, have long expressed concern over efforts by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid to silence critical voices.
According to reports, hundreds of people have been arrested since 2018 under Bangladesh’s ‘Digital Security Act’.
Commenting on this issue, United Nations Secretary General Stephen Dujarric said that it is important to protect the right to freedom of expression.
Bangladesh ranks 162nd in the Reporters Without Borders 2022 World Press Freedom Index, worse than Russia (155) and Afghanistan (156).