recorded 62 incidents of physical assault on journalists across the country from January to May. Libel/Slander Laws: Libel, slander, defamation, and blasphemy are treated as criminal offenses, most often employed against individuals speaking against the government, the prime minister, or other government officials. Laws referring to defamation of individuals and organizations were used to prosecute opposition figures and members of civil society. National Security: Authorities stated the DSA was essential to protect national and cyber security and prevent communalism. They allegedly used the law to arrest or punish critics of the government or deter criticism of government policies or officials. Nongovernmental Impact: Societal pressures limited freedom of expression; atheist, secular, religious minorities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) writers and bloggers reported they continued to receive death threats from alleged extremist organizations. Internet Freedom The government restricted and disrupted access to the internet and censored online content in numerous incidents. Laws banned virtual private networks and voiceover-internet-protocol telephone, but authorities rarely enforced this prohibition. The government monitored private online communications without appropriate legal authority. In several incidents the government interfered in internet communications, filtered or blocked access, restricted content, and censored websites or other communications and internet services. From October to December, the government allegedly blocked or slowed internet services in cities where opposition parties planned rallies. It suspended or closed many websites based on vague criteria, or with explicit reference to their pro-opposition content being in violation of legal requirements. The Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission is charged with regulating telecommunications. It carries out law enforcement and government Page 19