DAKHA: The Bangladesh government has ordered suspension of three mobile apps services after requests by law enforcement agencies. The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission told the mobile phone operators and other internet service providers to block voice and text message services through WhatsApp, Line and mypeople.
“The services will remain suspended until further notice,” commission secretary Sarwar Alam said. Regulators are also watching other online services, he said. The government blocked services through mobile apps Viber and Tango over security concerns.
The voice and messaging services were reportedly used by vandals earlier this month to coordinate criminal activity without being traced by police. The move came after more than 20 people were killed following a call by opposition leader Khaleda Zia for a nationwide transport blockade.
Zia, who has been seeking a fresh election under a non-partisan caretaker administration, called the strike after she was prevented from joining a rally on the first anniversary of the election that she boycotted. Police on Monday withdrew a security cordon from in front of her private office in Dhaka to apparently allow her to move freely.
