Bangladesh Grapples with Deluge of Disinformation in Post-Coup Environment
The political landscape of Bangladesh has been significantly impacted by a surge of misinformation and fake news following the ousting of the Awami League government on August 5th. While disinformation has historically been a concern for the nation’s democracy, the recent escalation presents a heightened threat, exacerbating communal tensions and straining the crucial relationship between Bangladesh and India. The volume of false narratives circulating online has reached alarming levels, with fact-checking organizations reporting a 58% increase in debunked content in 2024 compared to the previous year. This influx of fabricated information has fueled chaos and uncertainty in the wake of the political transition.
Dismislab, a fact-checking organization, documented over 3,000 unique instances of false or misleading information that gained viral traction in 2024. According to their analysis, certain elements within India, alongside pro-Awami League social media users, played a significant role in propagating these falsehoods. The disinformation campaign focused heavily on igniting communal tensions and religious hatred, themes that had been simmering since August and reached a fever pitch in November and December. Fabricated reports detailing attacks on minorities and widespread communal unrest spread like wildfire, sowing panic and deepening divisions within Bangladeshi society. Adding fuel to the fire, false narratives surrounding the withdrawal of Indian soldiers from Bangladesh and fabricated claims by Indian mainstream media alleging Pakistani troops patrolling within Bangladesh further complicated the situation.
Specific incidents highlight the devastating real-world consequences of this disinformation campaign. On November 5th, an anti-ISKCON post on Facebook triggered violent clashes in Chattogram, resulting in injuries to seven police officers and five army personnel. Later that month, on November 26th, the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges became the focal point of another wave of misinformation. Fabricated quotes attributed to Das circulated widely, alongside fake photocards purporting to be from credible media outlets, deepening the confusion and distrust. The appointment of three student leaders to advisory roles within the interim government also became fodder for misinformation campaigns, with false narratives surrounding their roles and allegiances spreading rapidly across social media.
The proliferation of these falsehoods has not only fomented internal discord within Bangladesh but has also strained relations with neighboring India. Tensions along the border have persisted, with repeated incidents occurring throughout the month. However, a glimmer of hope emerged from a recent meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF). Both sides agreed to prioritize dialogue as a means of resolving disputes and to actively combat the spread of rumors and misinformation that further exacerbate tensions.
This surge in misinformation represents a grave threat to Bangladesh’s democratic progress. Social media platforms, in particular, have become fertile ground for the dissemination of false narratives and deliberate propaganda. It is imperative that citizens remain vigilant and critical of the information they encounter online, especially content designed to undermine national unity during this crucial period. The government bears a significant responsibility in addressing this challenge and must establish a robust mechanism for swiftly debunking fake news, particularly content that poses a threat to national security or public order. This mechanism should involve collaboration with fact-checking organizations, social media platforms, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
The mainstream media also plays a crucial role in combating the spread of misinformation. News organizations must prioritize fact-checking initiatives, investing in training and resources to enhance their ability to identify and debunk false narratives. Adopting modern verification tools and techniques is essential to keep pace with the evolving tactics of disinformation actors. Furthermore, fostering media literacy among the public is vital. Educational campaigns can empower citizens to critically evaluate information, identify misinformation, and make informed decisions. Collaborative efforts between the government, media organizations, civil society groups, and tech companies are essential to effectively mitigate the damage caused by disinformation and safeguard democratic values in Bangladesh. The international community also has a role to play in supporting these efforts, sharing best practices, and providing technical assistance. Only through a concerted and multifaceted approach can Bangladesh address this critical challenge and protect its democratic future.
