The July 2024 political turmoil and information blockade in Bangladesh highlight the critical need for resilient communication methods like shortwave radio. While not widely adopted in recent years, shortwave radio offers a reliable and uncensored medium for news dissemination, especially in times of crisis. By embracing this technology, Bangladeshi citizens can overcome information blackouts and stay informed amidst governmental repression.

Context of the Current Bangladesh Crisis

In July 2024, Bangladesh experienced a wave of anti-government protests led by the opposition parties, notably the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB). These demonstrations were a reaction to alleged electoral fraud and increasing governmental authoritarianism. The government’s response included widespread arrests, enforced disappearances, and violent crackdowns on demonstrators. Moreover, the government imposed an internet blockade, significantly disrupting communication and access to information.

What is Shortwave Radio?

Shortwave radio is a type of radio transmission that uses shortwave frequencies. These frequencies can travel long distances by bouncing off the ionosphere, making them ideal for international broadcasting. Shortwave radio has been a reliable medium for disseminating uncensored news in regions facing censorship.

Advantages of Shortwave Radio:

1. Independent of Local Infrastructure: Shortwave radio operates independently of local internet and telecommunication infrastructure, making it resilient to both government censorship and technical failures.
2. Wide Coverage: Shortwave signals can cover vast distances, ensuring that information reaches even the most remote areas.
3. Access to International News: International broadcasters such as the BBC, Voice of America (VOA), Deutsche Welle, Radio France Internationale, Radio Free Asia, EGR and NEXUS-IBA / IRRS are reliable sources for news, offering an alternative to potentially biased local media.

How to Use Shortwave Radio to Bypass Censorship

Given the current restrictions in Bangladesh, or in any other country that may limit freedom of information through censorship, shortwave radio remains an underutilized yet viable solution for accessing uncensored news and maintaining communication. Here are practical steps for citizens and activists:

1. Acquire a Shortwave Radio Receiver: These are available online and at electronics stores.
2. Tune into International Broadcasters: Frequencies and schedules for broadcasters like the BBC, VOA or IRRS / NEXUS-IBA are available online.
3. Regularly Monitor Broadcasts: Staying updated with multiple sources ensures a comprehensive understanding of ongoing events.

The Impact of the Internet Blockade

The internet blockade in Bangladesh has severely affected communication. On multiple occasions, the government has shut down mobile internet services to prevent protesters from organizing. Additionally, a recent submarine cable breakdown further compounded the issue, leaving large parts of the country with minimal internet access.

Human rights organizations have reported severe human rights abuses, including the use of rubber bullets and tear gas against peaceful protesters, and mass arrests of opposition supporters. The blockade has also hindered the ability of journalists and human rights activists to document and report these abuses effectively.

Symptoms of an Information Blackout

• Reduced Internet Speed: Users experience significantly slower internet speeds due to bandwidth limitations and blockages.
• Lack of Communication: Difficulty in organizing protests and disseminating information due to the shutdown of mobile internet services.
• Increased Censorship: Government control over local media, limiting access to unbiased news.

Shortwave Radio: An Untapped Opportunity

Given the current restrictions, shortwave radio serves as a critical tool for accessing reliable news and ensuring the free flow of information. Citizens and activists can leverage shortwave radio to stay informed and coordinate efforts without relying on compromised local internet services.

The current political turmoil and information blockade in Bangladesh highlight the critical need for resilient communication methods like shortwave radio. While not widely adopted in recent years, shortwave radio offers a reliable and uncensored medium for news dissemination, especially in times of crisis. By embracing this technology, Bangladeshi citizens can overcome information blackouts and stay informed amidst governmental repression.