This week our thoughts are with the Open Knowledge community in Bangladesh, whose members have been deeply affected by internet shutdowns, curfews and arrests of experts as a result of student protests against the quota system in government jobs. 

We endorse and make our own words in the statement published on July 30 by Project Korikath, which describes some of the events that took place at the protests at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh.

In addition to individual prosecutions, the country was left without broadband for seven days. Although the connection has been restored, reports state that the speed is still very limited. The access to social media platforms was also blocked for 14 days before being restored yesterday. A curfew remains in place.

The Open Knowledge Foundation strongly condemns police repression and the persecution of citizens working for the free dissemination of information. Restricting internet access is a violation of human rights. It has a profound impact on our movement and represents a step backward in open knowledge policies. 

With this note, we hope to amplify the voice of our experts on the ground and help increase international pressure on these repressive acts carried out by the Bangladeshi government.

In solidarity,

The Open Knowledge Foundation