ICT sector in jeopardy

Iqbal Masud is a freelancer. He had a deadline to finish a software-related project for an US-based company on Friday. However, he could not complete his work or even contact the company regarding the matter due to the countrywide internet service blackout from Thursday. He fears that the client may cancel his order due to the delay.

A few lakhs of freelancers like Iqbal are in such risk of losing their work because of the internet blackout. Tech sector businessmen are also fearing for the future. According to them, the ICT sector export business may incur massive losses if internet services do not resume soon.

There are many international companies that avail tech services from Bangladesh. They may lean more towards the rival countries such as India and Vietnam. The sector is incurring nearly Tk 80 crore losses daily.

Aside from ICT businesses, local online-based financial services were also harmed. The country’s e-commerce sector incurred around Tk 40 crores. General people are being deprived of communication and entertainment. Many internet services regarding healthcare, birth registration, and education are being disrupted. Recharging mobile phone as well as pre-paid electricity, gas, and water has become complicated.

Information verification, news transmission is being disrupted. Online media have shut down, which has the possibility to make rumours worse, according to experts. If the internet shutdown continues, it may damage the country’s global image.