<p>Social network Facebook and its messaging app have been down in Bangladesh since Friday, the US tech giant said on Saturday, as protesters oppose Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the country.</p>.<p>Four people were killed on Friday after police opened fire after protesters allegedly attacked a police station in the Bangladeshi city of Chittagong during a demonstration against Modi's visit.</p>.<p>"We're aware that our services have been restricted in Bangladesh," Facebook said in a statement. "We're working to understand more and hope to have full access restored as soon as possible."</p>.<p>The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did not comment if it had blocked Facebook and its messenger, but it has previously used internet shutdowns as a tool to curb the spread of protests.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/bangladesh-deploys-border-guards-after-deadly-anti-modi-protests-967163.html" target="_blank">Bangladesh deploys border guards after deadly anti-Modi protests</a></strong></p>.<p>Facebook also said it had serious concerns about the manner in which it was being restricted in Bangladesh at a time when effective communication was necessary to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.</p>.<p>Local hardline group Hefazat-e-Islam, meaning protection of Islam, has called for a nationwide strike on Sunday to protest the Chittagong killings. Hefazat and its supporters accuse Modi of alienating minority Muslims in India.</p>.<p>Modi landed in Dhaka on Friday for a two-day visit, his first international trip since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic last year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the nation's independence.</p>.<p>He is due to hold formal talks with Hasina on Saturday. </p>
<p>Social network Facebook and its messaging app have been down in Bangladesh since Friday, the US tech giant said on Saturday, as protesters oppose Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the country.</p>.<p>Four people were killed on Friday after police opened fire after protesters allegedly attacked a police station in the Bangladeshi city of Chittagong during a demonstration against Modi's visit.</p>.<p>"We're aware that our services have been restricted in Bangladesh," Facebook said in a statement. "We're working to understand more and hope to have full access restored as soon as possible."</p>.<p>The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did not comment if it had blocked Facebook and its messenger, but it has previously used internet shutdowns as a tool to curb the spread of protests.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/bangladesh-deploys-border-guards-after-deadly-anti-modi-protests-967163.html" target="_blank">Bangladesh deploys border guards after deadly anti-Modi protests</a></strong></p>.<p>Facebook also said it had serious concerns about the manner in which it was being restricted in Bangladesh at a time when effective communication was necessary to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.</p>.<p>Local hardline group Hefazat-e-Islam, meaning protection of Islam, has called for a nationwide strike on Sunday to protest the Chittagong killings. Hefazat and its supporters accuse Modi of alienating minority Muslims in India.</p>.<p>Modi landed in Dhaka on Friday for a two-day visit, his first international trip since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic last year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the nation's independence.</p>.<p>He is due to hold formal talks with Hasina on Saturday. </p>