The recent internet shutdown has left a devastating impact on the country's online freelancer community. As a nation striving to build a robust digital economy, such disruptions not only cause immediate financial hardship but also erode our long-term reputation in the global marketplace.
Freelancers depend on uninterrupted online access to maintain communication with international clients. But the shutdown severed this vital connection, jeopardizing their ongoing projects as well as the trust painstakingly built with overseas employers. Recovering positive ratings and rebuilding client confidence in this highly competitive online space will be a long and arduous battle.
Dr. Tanjiba Rahman, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Freelancers Development Society (BFDS), rightly points out the critical role online ratings play in securing future work. The internet shutdown threatens to undo years of hard work invested in skill development and positive online profiles. This not only impacts established freelancers but also discourages new entrants at a time when Bangladesh desperately needs to create more employment opportunities.
The solution lies not in blanket internet shutdowns but in developing a more sophisticated approach. As Dr. Rahman suggests, building the capacity to regulate internet access with targeted blocking mechanisms is crucial. We must learn from other nations that successfully regulate the web without sacrificing critical online services.
The internet shutdown has tarnished Bangladesh's image as a reliable hub for skilled freelancers. Khairul Alam, owner of Fleet BD, a leading organiaation in the sector, expressed genuine fear that this might push clients towards competitors like India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Unlike traditional sectors with established customer bases, online freelancing demands a constant flow of communication and trust.
Mustafa Mamun
Student
Jessore Science and Technology University
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