After the shutdown of the internet, it has also returned but in a debilitated form. It is more like a person's recuperation period following a serious illness. With limited capacity, it cannot perform the normal works it is supposed to do. Particularly those requiring to download and work with data, software, package and content find it extremely frustrating. A package that needed no more than half an hour to download now requires six to 13 hours in Dhaka City. Away from the main cities, even the personal e-mail accounts cannot be opened let alone other materials. IT firms and freelancers had to endure financial losses, cancellation of contracts as they stayed incommunicado for five days since July 18 last. In certain cases, the parties abroad are asking for compensation for the losses incurred in the process.
It is a body blow for IT professionals who work independently. After all, they have developed a rapport with their foreign clients bit by bit to earn their trust. Now the credibility and confidence are shattered because of their failure to deliver the service on time, their reputation is on the line. The slow speed of the internet is causing haemorrhage to an already moribund economy. When the online speed is yet to be back to its original state, the authorities are trying to restore the cellular data allowing smartphone users to enjoy the digital advantages of communication. How that will come about is to be seen when the broadband is not functioning properly.
At a time smartphone has become the easiest vehicle of communication, thanks to the digital platforms, the young generation, in particular, cannot imagine life without the facility. It is understandable how restive and fidgety such users have become. During the corona-induced lockdown, this medium was of immense help even to the elderly people many of whom turned to the device for the first time. They were pleasantly surprised to discover that it has certain unmatched benefits. Friends who were out of sight and to a degree out of mind, particularly living in foreign lands, suddenly had their profiles flashed on the screen requesting friendship. Thus the long forgotten or out of touch souls became reconnected.
This time, though, the dislocation has upset the most urgent communication with near and dear ones either within the country or abroad. On-line financial transactions came to a standstill. It is not just inconvenience but there happened something life-altering events. The older generation did not have cell phones or smartphones nor were they accustomed to communicating on Whatsup, Messenger etc,. only a decade and a half back. Virtual communication, let alone getting immersed in this type of obsessive exchanges for hours together--- not excluding the wee hours, was an unheard of phenomenon to them. They visited friends personally or invited them to enjoy happy times together. But today's techno gigs or digital freaks would stop nowhere to explore the limitless advantage of the virtual world. Lately Chinese girls have opted for virtual lovers who are artificial intelligence (AI)-driven robots.
The invasion of digital devices has seriously affected the thought process and the realm of emotion, passion and even humanity. Is not the world becoming more brutal, cruel and impervious? Fellow feeling is fast receding in the distant horizon. People are becoming increasingly self-centred and selfish. Losing touch with the real world, they have developed their passion for the gismos, allowing themselves to transform so much as to acquire the properties of the gadgets. Mechanical and robotic, these people may have thought they are ruling the devices but in fact, it is the devices which are controlling their lives. It is an irreparable loss for the humankind. Their disconnection with the real world takes away the kindness, feeling for others in need or distress. They simply miss out on what is in fact the best possession in this world---a generous and benevolent heart.
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