Bangladesh is currently grappling with a myriad of challenges, including the rampant spread of misinformation, political upheaval, and escalating communal tensions. Recent events have starkly highlighted the plight of minority communities and the strain on relations with our neighbouring country, India. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.

Misinformation and its Impact

Platforms like Facebook are under scrutiny for their inability to moderate hate speech effectively in non-English regions. The role of social media platforms in spreading these narratives is significant, and despite efforts, moderation policies remain inadequate in high-risk areas like Bangladesh. The challenges these platforms face in moderating hate speech include the sheer volume of content, the speed at which it is shared, and the difficulty distinguishing between legitimate political discourse and harmful narratives. One of the most recent examples of misinformation was a viral video uploaded on November 29 claiming that Hindu temples in Bangladesh had been attacked. Dismislab, a verification platform, has debunked this. The video depicted the smashing of idols as part of a traditional idol immersion ritual in Saltanpur, West England, India, not an attack in Bangladesh. Another fake allegation, made by the account Baba Benaras, alleged numerous temple attacks in Bangladesh but was disproved. These examples demonstrate how misinformation fuels fear and hatred, especially in politically and religiously sensitive regions. That being said, the Hindu minority in Bangladesh are vulnerable to hate and attacks; at the same time, it is crucial to be mindful of videos that circulate. 

Political Upheaval and Safety of Minorities

Following Hasina’s departure, violence against minorities surged, with over 1,068 homes and businesses attacked and 22 places of worship vandalised. Historical patterns show that minorities often become scapegoats during political instability, underscoring their precarious position in the country. However, it's important to note that in some instances, local Muslim groups have rallied to protect Hindu homes and temples from attacks, demonstrating communal solidarity despite the tensions. These actions, though not widespread, show pockets of unity and understanding in the country, giving us hope for a more harmonious future.

India-Bangladesh Diplomatic Strains

Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India after her removal amid mass protests in August 2024. Anti-Bangladesh sentiments increased in India, particularly after Hasina’s asylum and her criticisms of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, particularly following a violent attack on the Bangladeshi mission in Agartala, Tripura. The attack came after the controversial arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader in Bangladesh, on a sedition charge.

Finding the Way Forward

To pave the way for a more stable and secure future, Bangladesh must prioritise fact-checking, strengthen minority protections, and urgently address the root causes of religious and political polarisation. Similarly, social media platforms must recognise their role and take greater responsibility for amplifying harmful content, especially in high-risk regions. The need for reliable and verified information must be balanced.

Reference list

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Biswas, S. (2024). Bangladesh: ‘There is no law and order. And Hindus are being targeted again’. BBC News. [online] 6 Aug. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy77vgmjlzo.

Dhaka Tribune. (2024a). Fact check: The video claiming the Bangladesh Hindu temple attack is actually from India. [online] Available at: https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/367044/video-claiming-hindu-temple-attack-is-from-india.

Dhaka Tribune. (2024b). Our minority population speak for themselves. [online] Available at: https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/editorial/367080/our-minority-population-speak-for-themselves.

Ooi, M.H., Geoffrey Macdonald, Hui Hui (2022). How Facebook Fuels Religious Violence. [online] Foreign Policy. Available at: https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/02/04/facebook-tech-moderation-violence-bangladesh-religion/.

Shankar, P. (2024). Bangladesh mission in India attacked: Why are ties in freefall? [online] Al Jazeera. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/5/bangladesh-mission-in-india-attacked-why-are-ties-in-freefall.

Staff Correspondent (2024). Communal violence: 1068 houses and business establishments were attacked. [online] Prothomalo. Available at: https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/97chuvmupe.