Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has announced that all mobile users in the country will receive 1GB of free internet on July 18, marking the newly designated “Free Internet Day” aiming to promote digital rights and to commemorate July Uprising.
BTRC issued a directive on Wednesday, instructing all mobile operators to ensure smooth distribution of the free data package.
The free data will be valid for five days and offer must be communicated to all subscribers in advance via SMS.
The announcement follows a meeting held at BTRC headquarters on July 8, where the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications endorsed the initiative to symbolise a new era of digital freedom in the country.
The date carries profound political significance. On July 18 last year, the previous administration, led by Sheikh Hasina, enforced a complete internet blackout during a fierce crackdown on quota reform protests.
The blackout, which paralysed communication nationwide, intensified public outrage and sparked mass demonstrations that contributed to the government’s fall weeks later.
Now, exactly one year on, officials say this new gesture is more than symbolic. It seeks to reclaim the narrative around digital access and freedom of expression.
BTRC officials said the free data offer was designed “to reflect public aspirations” and demonstrate the state’s commitment to open connectivity.
Mobile operators have been urged to extend full cooperation and ensure the campaign is observed smoothly.
While modest in scale, the observance of Free Internet Day marks a notable departure from past policies that sought to restrict access.
By offering free data on a date once associated with suppression, the government aims to turn the memory of digital darkness into a celebration of connectivity.