Bangladesh has blocked the video sharing website YouTube for hosting a recorded conversation between its prime minister and army officers, officials said in Dhaka yesterday.

Internet users were unable to access the site after it hosted the audio tape, which appeared to show angry officers shouting at Sheikh Hasina over her handling of a bloody mutiny that has threatened Bangladesh's recent return to democracy.

The violence in the capital Dhaka 10 days ago left at least 74 people dead including 56 army officers who were killed and buried in shallow graves by mutinous border guards.

"Internet users have no access to YouTube. We understand that it has been blocked by the authorities," said Sabbir Ahmed, a director of the country's leading Internet service provider, BDCom.

A senior government official told AFP the site has been blocked after it hosted "contents subversive to the state."

"The government can block any site that contains anti-state or subversive contents, which may cause unrest. We took the measure temporarily. It will be lifted soon," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.