In the wake of the ongoing student protests in Bangladesh against the government's controversial job quota system, the nation finds itself in the grip of a severe internet blackout and an indefinite nationwide curfew. Watching these events unfold from afar has been a mix of frustration and helplessness.
The disruption of telecommunications and the internet has not only isolated the country but also created a fertile ground for rumors and misinformation, complicating an already volatile situation.
One alarming rumor that has been circulating widely is that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hired assassins from India to quell the protests. While such claims are sensational, it is essential to approach them with a critical mind, especially given the current communication barriers. Over the past decade, the infiltration of student league members into the police force has been a point of concern.
Many of these individuals, notorious for their violent tendencies, were integrated into the police ranks, raising questions about the necessity of hiring external forces for such brutal suppression. This rumor appears to serve a dual purpose: first, to sensationalize the situation, and second, to absolve local police officials from accountability for the violence inflicted on protesters.
By blaming external forces, the narrative shifts away from the domestic issue of police brutality and corruption.
Another recent rumor that has been disproven claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had left the country amid the student protests. This rumor was widely circulated on Thursday (July 17th), but it was proven false when Sheikh Hasina was reportedly present during the curfew announcement on Friday night (July 18th).
Another rumor, potentially rooted in truth but difficult to verify, involves claims that certain intelligence agencies in Bangladesh have employed bots to manipulate public opinion. According to the rumor, these agencies have increased the rate of hired bots from 5 to 25 taka amid the crisis. Despite the nationwide internet shutdown, these bots allegedly have access to the internet and attempt to blend in with protesters by displaying solidarity symbols like black badges on their profiles. They purportedly masquerade as students from universities like DU and JU, or as professionals studying or working abroad.
These bots are said to use advanced technology acquired from Israel to create non-existent virtual identities, capable of managing hundreds of fake profiles simultaneously. Their goal is to alter the narrative of the protests by flooding social media with opposing views, creating an illusion of widespread dissent against the movement.
On social media platforms like Reddit, there have been instances of users posting prolifically in defense of the government's actions, raising suspicions of coordinated bot activity or psy-ops. These accounts, such as the one identified as "Soil-Specific," have large comment histories vehemently defending the government's stance and actions, further complicating the task of discerning genuine public sentiment from orchestrated misinformation campaigns.
A recent alleged press release from junior officers of the Bangladesh Army has also surfaced, claiming their support for the protesters and condemning any violent crackdown on the students. The note emphasizes their allegiance to the common people and calls for the army to refrain from unlawful actions. While this note resonates with the hopes of many, verifying its authenticity is challenging without direct communication channels. The army’s relatively restrained response so far, especially after statements from political leaders suggesting harsh measures, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Another rumor circulating is that international calls are being monitored, and people are advised to cut the call instantly if someone else picks up. This kind of warning, whether true or not, amplifies the climate of fear and suspicion, making it even harder for people to communicate and verify information.
Yet another concerning rumor suggests that the PM is using advanced surveillance software, allegedly bought from Mossad and known as Pegasus, to systematically target the brains behind the protests. According to this rumor, this software uses people's digital footprints to create comprehensive profiles, identifying affiliations and connections to organizations. This capability supposedly allows the government to preemptively identify and suppress dissent by surveilling and potentially persecuting individuals involved in organizing protests.
The claim is that this method of surveillance has enabled the PM to maintain power despite numerous enemies.
Most recently, a rumor has emerged about the Bangladesh Army using TB2 surveillance drones equipped with advanced sensors to monitor sensitive areas of Dhaka. According to this rumor, these drones have a maximum endurance of 27 hours and can carry a payload of 650 kg. While the use of such technology seems plausible, confirming whether Bangladesh has indeed purchased and deployed these drones is currently impossible due to the information blackout.
Challenges of Verification
The primary challenge in verifying such rumors is the lack of reliable communication channels. With internet and telephone services disrupted and newspapers not being delivered, authentic information is scarce. Satellite TV channels predominantly broadcast government-sanctioned content, often showing only the destruction of public and government property, which paints a biased picture of the protests.
Steps to Combat and Verify Rumors
As concerned Bangladeshis living abroad, it is our responsibility to navigate this sea of misinformation carefully and constructively. Here are some steps we can take to combat and verify rumors:
- Rely on Trusted Sources: While mainstream media in Bangladesh may be compromised, international news outlets such as Al Jazeera, BBC, and Reuters often provide more balanced coverage. Following these sources can offer a clearer picture of the situation.
- Connect with On-ground Contacts: If possible, maintain communication with friends and family who are directly experiencing the events. Personal accounts, although anecdotal, can provide valuable insights and counter the official narratives.
- Participate in Online Communities: Forums and social media groups dedicated to Bangladesh's current affairs can be useful platforms for information exchange. However, it is crucial to approach these with a critical mind, verifying any claims with multiple sources before believing or sharing them.
- Advocate for Internet Freedom: Raising awareness about the internet shutdown in Bangladesh through petitions, contacting human rights organizations, and leveraging social media can put international pressure on the Bangladeshi government to restore communication services.
- Document and Archive Information: Given the transient nature of online content during crises, documenting and archiving news articles, social media posts, and personal accounts can preserve important information that might otherwise be lost.
- Follow Trusted Social Media Accounts: Several social media accounts and pages are providing reliable updates on the situation. Here are a few you can follow:
- Zulkarnain Saer: Facebook
- Buetian: A page run by alumni of BUET, now temporarily being used to spread awareness about the protests. Facebook
- BBC Bangla: Often runs a live update thread on their website. BBC Bangla
