Sabah Mannan of DOT
[2] Twenty five human rights activists, researchers and development professionals have called for the government to restore 4G mobile internet services in the camps located in Cox’s Bazar for free flow of information that can help to curb coronavirus transmission, reports The Daily Star.
[3] In a statement issued yesterday, activists said it is crucial to extend any cooperation to the aid agencies so they can reach out to the camps both physically and virtually to create awareness on Covid-19 to reduce the risks of the viral infection. They also voiced urgent actions to be taken to maintain disciplined ways of food distribution and allow access to service providers to the camps so that no unforeseen death happens due to shortage of utilities.
[4] Telecom service providers are facing barriers in creating awareness among the Rohingya as mobile internet services have been shut down since September of last year in the Rohingya camps. “We, therefore, request the Bangladesh government to restore mobile internet service immediately and help prevent the spread of Covid-19 among the Rohingya as well as the local communities,” the statement added.
[5] The signatories to the statement include Dr Meghna Guhathakurta, Prof Dr Parveen Hasan, Dr Zafrulla Chowdhury, Dr Manzoor Hasan, Farah Kabir, Shaheen Anam, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Maheen Sultan, Rehnuma Ahmed, Dr Swapan Adnan, Noor Khan Liton, Farida Akter and Shireen Huq, among others.