Free YouTube
The Google Maps' Street View project is definitely worthwhile for Dhaka where simple commuting is a nightmare. To the more informed, it, however, seems like an attempt to cover up for the failure in providing the most basic Google services that every free society is entitled to. The prolonged block on YouTube that in turn is affecting critical services of Google Drive, Google Groups, Google Calendar, is beyond comprehension. At a time when the world is making long strides towards a paperless document system where web-based platforms like Google are the key, the goal of a Digital Bangladesh continues to face politically motivated hurdles.
It is also a pity that people who have raised the issue of YouTube keep referring to it as a mere entertainment channel which not only undermines the concern but shows a complete lack of awareness of a powerful Web 2.0 tool that has far reaching use in education, training and research work. One sincerely hopes that the tide initiated at Shahbag, that has triggered a nationwide wake up call for change, would also inspire the powers that be to a renewed sense of freedom of information.
Reaz Shaheed
DOHS Banani, Dhaka
Government blocked YouTube in Bangladesh in order to avert any untoward incidents after a movie was released on the website defaming our prophet (sm). American government punished the culprits, but our government is yet to withdraw the blockade on YouTube. It is really a useful website for the students, teachers, business communities and so on. We urge the government to reopen the website without further delay.
Samiul Raijul
Department of Textile Management
Bangladesh University of Textiles
Dhaka
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