Former Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Mustafa Jabbar has recently shared his thoughts on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In an interview with the media on Monday, July 29, Jabbar discussed the widespread use and implications of VPN technology.
Jabbar explained that it is quite natural for people to seek ways to overcome obstacles. “It’s very normal that when there’s a barrier, people will look for ways to get around it. Just like with any locked door, it can be opened at any moment by anyone,” he said. Highlighting the global usage of VPNs, he mentioned that millions of people worldwide utilize this technology, and its impact is significant in Bangladesh as well.
The use of VPNs in Bangladesh has surged dramatically following government restrictions on social media, which were imposed in response to protests and violence related to demands for quota reforms. According to researchers from VPN Mentor, the demand for VPNs in Bangladesh skyrocketed by an astonishing 5,016% last week. The surge began on July 22 and reached its peak on July 25.
Despite the rise in VPN usage, the State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, has urged the public to refrain from using VPNs. He stated, “Currently, many people are using various apps in different ways. We request them not to use VPNs because their use can be risky. For personal security and data protection, we must avoid using VPNs.”
In summary, while VPNs provide a way to bypass restrictions and access the internet freely, both Mustafa Jabbar and Zunaid Ahmed Palak have highlighted the potential risks associated with their use. Users are advised to consider these risks carefully and prioritize their online safety and data security.
