—MD ANISUR RAHMAN—

The people of Bangladesh have gathered a practical experience how the world is without the connectivity of internet. After ten days mobile internet has been restored. Earlier after seven days, broadband internet was restored. In the absence of internet, people from all sectors fell in great difficulty. Internet and internet connected devices have become indispensable part in human life. Using internet for every task has also become everyday habit. This deeply rooted habit cannot be given up abruptly. The citizens of the country felt that they would return to pre-internet age where people used to depend on radio and television completely for news and views.

We could observe how much our lives are dependent on internet. Literally, we are crippled without internet connectivity in this modern world. To maintain international communication, there is no alternative to internet. From travelling to buying or selling any product, we are completely dependent on internet. That’s why, now it is quite impossible to pass days without having connected to internet. To pay utility bill we need internet. To get a passport, we need internet. To make payment, we also need internet. Actually, for our convenient, we have made every sector computerized with the connectivity of internet.

How is the people’s perception in the absence of internet? I tried to collect some perception about disconnectivity of internet during those days, what they did, how they felt, how they passed time. One of my colleagues expressed his feelings like that “OMG! How horrible the days are! It is totally impossible to pass days without internet now because we are habituated using internet. We forget watching television as we have mobile phone. Internet is the greatest source of our entertainment now. Besides, I am in great danger as I cannot pay my electricity bill and cannot recharge my mobile. Really it is a horrible experience.”

My nephew (my sister’s son) is one of the top ranking freelancers in his district. For disconnectivity of internet he could not communicate with his clients. Like him, all the freelancers across the country are in great difficulty as well as in great concern.  They do not know what bad luck is waiting for them. He said, “I do not have personal contact number of my clients that’s why I cannot communicate with them. There is no internet. They don’t know what’s going on here. As all the clients are foreigners, they will lose their faith on us. We, the freelancers, are in great loss. The government should have thought about us. Our orders will be cancelled. The outsourcing sector is now at stake. We don’t know what misfortune is waiting for me and my family.”

“Our systems are now entirely dependent on the internet, and switching off internet connectivity is not a solution to our problems. Such measures are outdated and do not suit this modern era, where the internet is essential for communication, education, business, and governance. Instead of cutting off internet access, the government should explore alternative solutions that address the root of the issues without disrupting connectivity. This kind of action is counterproductive to the progress and innovation we aim for. How can we expect to build a ‘Smart Bangladesh’ if we resort to measures that halt technological advancement?”

My another colleague opined, “Internet disconnection reveals just how addicted we are to social media. It’s evident that the internet often consumes our valuable time. Reflecting on life without the internet, I realized we enjoyed our days much more meaningfully. For instance, during the recent internet outage, I managed to read several books that I hadn’t been able to finish for over a year. I also spent quality time with my family, something I had been neglecting. It dawned on me that, while we live under the same roof, the presence of the internet had mentally distanced us from one another. This period of internet absence taught me a lot about the importance of reconnecting with people around me and appreciating the simpler joys of life.”

While talking to one of my students over mobile phone he expressed that he was maintaining a routine life that was not possible earlier because of internet. He used to browse social media till late night. As a result, he could not rise early in the morning. During the absence of internet, he could go to bed early and rise in the morning early. This is a real fact. Internet disrupts our daily routine and creates a hindrance to a sound sleep.

There is a noticeable mixed reaction regarding the absence of internet connectivity in our daily lives. On one hand, some people feel that life without the internet is more peaceful and secure, free from the risks of online fraud and cybercrime that are often associated with digital connectivity. On the other hand, many believe that despite its drawbacks, the internet has made human life significantly easier and more comfortable. It provides instant access to information, facilitates communication across distances, supports businesses, and enhances education. The convenience of online banking, e-commerce, and digital platforms for remote work and learning underscores the boundless necessity of the internet in today’s fast-paced world.

(The writer is an Assistant Professor, Department of English, Principal Kazi Faruky College, Lakshmipur)