The government has deployed thousands of police, paramilitaries and an elite anti-militant force to crack down on the protesters. Also Read - TRAI asks if WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and Hike should be regulated by the government Viber and Tango have been popular among opposition protesters, including activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its Islamist allies who have launched a crippling nationwide transport blockade to try to topple the government. The protests have turned increasingly violent with activists firebombing hundreds of buses and trucks, and security forces retaliating with live bullets or tear gas. At least 25 people have died in the latest violence including about a dozen burnt to death after protesters firebombed buses. Also Read - COAI advocates 'level-playing field' regulations for WhatsApp, Skype, Viber like OTT players

The Bangladesh Telecommunications and Regulatory Commission closed down the apps “for the time being” on orders from law enforcement and security agencies, a commission spokesman told AFP. He did not give reasons for the decision, but local television station Channel 24 said Viber and Tango were shut down to prevent protesters from “exchanging information” across the country. Also Read - WhatsApp alternatives: 3 secure messaging apps you can try Bangladeshi telecom authorities shut down smartphone messaging and voice services Viber and Tango, which have become a popular communication medium for supporters of the anti-government protests now in their third week.

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