Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has denied reports of any disruption or shutdown of internet services in Gopalganj, terming such claims as “baseless and deliberately misleading.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry said there has been no decision to suspend internet connectivity in any part of the country, including Gopalganj, in the wake of Wednesday’s political violence.
“Certain media outlets and individuals are spreading false rumours about an internet blackout following the recent unrest in Gopalganj. These claims are entirely unfounded and motivated,” the ministry stated.
It further clarified that the government remains firmly committed to ensuring uninterrupted mobile and broadband internet services nationwide, regardless of the prevailing situation.
The statement accused “authoritarian elements and their accomplices” of orchestrating this misinformation campaign to mislead the public and provoke unnecessary panic.
Urging citizens and institutions to verify facts before disseminating any information, the ministry advised all to act responsibly in preserving public order and the normalcy of civic life.
The clarification came a day after violent clashes broke out around the National Citizens Party’s (NCP) ‘March to Gopalganj’ programme. At least four people were killed in confrontations with ruling Awami League activists near the Municipal Park and launch terminal area of the district town.
In response to the escalating situation, the district administration initially imposed Section 144, later enforcing a strict curfew from 8:00 pm Wednesday to 6:00 pm Thursday, as per orders from the interim government.