Bangladesh marks July uprising with free data for all

DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — The Bangladeshi government has declared July 18 as “Free Internet Day,” offering 1GB of complimentary data to all mobile phone users in remembrance of the July Uprising — a student-led movement that shook the country’s political establishment last year.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and enforced by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), aims to honor the spirit of youth resistance and fulfill public aspirations for greater digital access. The free data will be valid for five days from the day of activation.

A formal directive was issued on July 3, with final instructions delivered to mobile operators on July 9, following a decision by the Commission’s Vice Chairman. Brigadier General SM Moniruzzaman, Director General of BTRC’s Spectrum Division, confirmed the rollout.

Officials say the move serves both symbolic and practical purposes — a nod to the legacy of civic activism and an effort to bridge the country’s digital divide.

The July Uprising, which began in mid-2024, was sparked by anger over job quota reforms but soon evolved into a mass pro-democracy movement led by students. It exposed deep dissatisfaction with state repression and culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August that year. During the peak of protests, authorities imposed internet shutdowns — drawing sharp criticism from rights groups.

By declaring Free Internet Day on the uprising’s anniversary, the government appears to be repositioning itself as a champion of digital rights — even if just symbolically.