Dhaka: Popular online calling and messaging services Viber and WhatsApp will be blocked temporarily in order to arrest militants and prevent terrorist activities in the country, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday.

‘We have introduced various social media apps including WhatsApp and Viber but some criminals are misusing it to carry out crimes. Therefore, the government has planned to stop operation of these apps for the time being in order to arrest the perpetrators,’ the Daily Star quoted Sheikh Hasina as saying.

The premiere made this announcement in response to lawmakers’ queries in the current parliamentary session.

She also called upon the lawmakers, countrymen and electronic media to help arrest those involved in terrorist and militant activities.

The premier however did not specify any time from when the services will be blocked.