State Minister for ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, has stated that Facebook will be unblocked in Bangladesh once the company demonstrates responsible behavior and complies with local regulations.

Mobile internet was reinstated nationwide around 3:00 PM today, following nearly 10 days of disruption.

Despite the restoration of broadband internet some four days ago, Facebook and TikTok remain inaccessible for the general public, although the minister himself continues to use these platforms.

He has offered an explanation for this discrepancy.

The ongoing unavailability of mobile internet and certain social media platforms stems from the government's response to protests and violence related to the quota reform movement.

A curfew was imposed on July 19, which has been intermittently lifted but remains in effect. The government initially shut down the 4G network on July 17, suspending mobile internet nationwide.

This was followed by a complete internet blackout on July 18, with broadband services also being cut off.

Limited internet connectivity was restored on the night of July 23 after a five-day blackout, with priority access given to specific institutions.

Broadband internet was restored nationwide on July 24, though service has not yet returned to normal levels and mobile internet remains suspended.

Despite the restoration of broadband, Meta's platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) and TikTok remain blocked. The State Minister stated on July 23 that there is no definitive timeline for fully restoring social media access.

Immediately after broadband internet was restored, the State Minister for ICT resumed posting on his verified Facebook page, regularly sharing updates and live-streaming events. He is also active on Instagram and TikTok.

This has drawn criticism from the public, who question why the minister can access Facebook while it remains blocked for everyone else.

In response, the minister stated that his social media activity is aimed at countering rumors by providing accurate information, and that he and other government institutions will continue to do so.

When asked about utilizing mainstream media to address rumors, the minister stated that this option is under consideration.

When asked about when social media platforms will be available to everyone in Bangladesh, Zunaid Ahmed stated that the timing is in the hands of Facebook and TikTok.

He noted that correspondence has been sent to these platforms concerning their adherence to Bangladesh's constitution, laws, and their own guidelines.

He further mentioned that the government will decide on restoring access once these platforms provide their clarifications.

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