Interim Government Explains Requests to Google for Content Removal

The interim government has clarified its position regarding requests made to Google for content removal. On Friday, 28 November, a lengthy statement was published on the Facebook page of the Chief Adviser’s office, explaining the matter in detail.

The government assured citizens that it has not requested any platform to remove news articles, social media posts, videos, online articles, or political criticism from internal critics, except in cases involving misinformation, propaganda, or attempts at character assassination through illegal content. Such requests, it said, are only submitted to Google or other platforms through law enforcement agencies and the National Cybersecurity Agency via BTRC.

The statement further clarified that the interim government does not operate social media control units or bot networks, unlike previous administrations. No agency in Bangladesh, including BTRC or NTMCS, has the authority to directly take down content from platforms; all requests must be formally submitted to social media and technology companies.

Analysis of Google’s Transparency Report shows that from January to June 2025, Bangladesh made 279 content removal requests, significantly fewer than the 867 requests submitted in June–December 2022 under the Awami League government. In fact, 65% of these requests fall under the “Not enough information” category, indicating they were not politically motivated.

During the same period, Bangladesh faced a surge of misinformation campaigns both domestically and internationally, particularly from neighbouring countries. The government reported several incidents to Google in response to this disinformation. Additionally, following restrictions under the Anti-Terrorism Act and international legal proceedings, online campaigns against the country intensified.

The government emphasised that its daily responsibility includes safeguarding cyberspace, protecting political stability, maintaining communal harmony, and ensuring the safety of all religious, ethnic, and cultural groups. It highlighted that regulatory reporting is a standard international practice and cited Freedom on the Net 2025, which noted Bangladesh’s remarkable improvement in internet freedom and digital rights, achieving a seven-year high score of 45.