Internet shutdown adds to panicked people’s woes

FE Team | Published: July 26, 2024 20:45:01

General people remained panicked and continued to mostly stay at home on Friday unless in case of emergency amid further deadly clashes in different parts of the capital, reports UNB.
"I had an appointment with my doctor set for July 17. I waited for an improved situation and rescheduled my appointment. I am not sure whether I will be able to go and meet my doctor as it is urgent," said Shorna, a young woman who is expecting her first baby later this month.
He husband said they are now staying at a relative's residence and have decided to book an ambulance for any emergency.
While visiting Mouchak, Malibag, Kakrail, Mogbazar, Saat Rasta and Mohakhali areas on Friday morning and afternoon, this correspondent saw sporadic clashes, chase and counter-chase in Mouchak, Kakrail and Mohakhali areas, but virtually no student was seen among the protesters.
Heavy deployment of the law-enforcement agencies was seen across the country and helicopters were also seen patrolling.
Bacchu Miah, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost, said 144 people, apparently injured in various clashes across the capital, were admitted to the hospital on Friday and 12 of them died.
Earlier, media reported that 29 people were killed on Thursday with many injured. Six people died on Tuesday.
The government said the internet service has been suspended both for "digital and physical safety", which is apparently causing public sufferings.
"We cannot recharge mobile phone through apps. There are people who are unable to pay electricity bills," said one of the individuals while describing the impacts of the internet shutdown.
Internet service was not restored till the time of writing this report at 10:00 pm on Friday.
Most of the shops, including shopping malls, remained closed, and commuters who went out for emergency reasons suffered a lot due to lack of vehicles on roads.
In some areas, rickshaws and CNG-run auto-rickshaws were seen plying on roads.