90 Ghanta: A Lesson in Misguided Priorities

Imagine a world where a government decides to shut down the internet for 90 hours. Sounds like a dystopian novel, right? Well, this is exactly what happened in Bangladesh in 2015. The government, in a bid to curb potential unrest and maintain control, decided to pull the plug on the internet for 90 hours. This decision was made in response to a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the death penalty for two opposition leaders. The government feared that the ruling might incite violence and unrest, so they took the drastic step of cutting off the internet.

Now, let's talk about why this is a classic case of misguided priorities. First, the government assumed that by shutting down the internet, they could control the narrative and prevent unrest. But in reality, this move only fueled more anger and frustration among the people. The internet is not just a tool for communication; it's a lifeline for many. It's how people stay connected with their loved ones, conduct business, and access information. By cutting off the internet, the government effectively isolated its citizens and disrupted their daily lives.

Second, this decision highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of how the internet works. The internet is not a switch that can be turned on and off at will. It's a complex network that is deeply integrated into every aspect of modern life. Shutting it down is not only impractical but also counterproductive. It sends a message that the government is more interested in maintaining control than in addressing the root causes of unrest.

Third, this move sets a dangerous precedent. If a government can shut down the internet for 90 hours, what's to stop them from doing it again? Or from extending the shutdown indefinitely? This kind of unchecked power is a threat to democracy and freedom of speech. It gives the government the ability to silence dissent and control the flow of information.

Fourth, the economic impact of such a shutdown cannot be overstated. In today's digital age, businesses rely heavily on the internet to operate. A 90-hour shutdown can result in significant financial losses, not just for businesses but for the economy as a whole. It disrupts supply chains, halts transactions, and creates uncertainty in the market.

Fifth, this decision shows a lack of foresight and planning. Instead of addressing the underlying issues that led to the unrest, the government chose to take the easy way out by shutting down the internet. This is a short-term solution that does nothing to address the root causes of the problem. It's like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.

Sixth, this move alienates the younger generation, who are the most active users of the internet. By cutting off their access to the internet, the government is effectively telling them that their voices don't matter. This is a dangerous message to send to a generation that is already disillusioned with the political system.

Seventh, this decision undermines the credibility of the government. It sends a message that the government is afraid of its own people and is willing to go to extreme lengths to maintain control. This erodes trust and confidence in the government and its ability to govern effectively.

Eighth, this move highlights the need for better governance and accountability. Instead of resorting to drastic measures like shutting down the internet, the government should focus on addressing the root causes of unrest and finding long-term solutions. This requires transparency, dialogue, and a willingness to listen to the concerns of the people.

Ninth, this decision is a reminder of the importance of protecting freedom of speech and access to information. The internet is a powerful tool for democracy and should be protected, not restricted.

Tenth, this move should serve as a wake-up call for other governments around the world. Shutting down the internet is not a solution to unrest. It's a sign of weakness and a failure to address the real issues at hand. It's time for governments to prioritize the needs of their citizens and find better ways to address unrest and maintain peace.