Student Activist Files Cyberbullying Case Against Facebook Pages
Dhaka, Bangladesh – Sarjis Alam, a prominent student activist and leader of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, has taken legal action against two Facebook pages and their administrators, alleging cyberbullying, defamation, and the spread of misinformation. The lawsuit, filed on January 23, 2025, with the Shahbagh Police Station under the Cyber Security Act, names the pages "Department of Bakshal: University of Dhaka" and "Criminals of DU" as defendants. Alam claims the pages engaged in a sustained campaign of harassment and character assassination, significantly impacting his reputation and causing him emotional distress.
Alam’s complaint details a series of fabricated posts and doctored images published on the aforementioned Facebook pages. He alleges that the posts contained false information about his personal life, professional affiliations, and activist work. Specifically, the pages falsely claimed Alam was dismissed from the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, an organization he voluntarily left. He provided screenshots, links, and other digital evidence to support his claims. The Shahbagh police, acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, have registered the case and initiated an investigation. The Cyber Crime Division will analyze the evidence to determine the veracity of Alam’s claims and identify the individuals behind the pages.
This case highlights the growing concern over cyberbullying and online harassment in Bangladesh. The anonymity afforded by social media platforms often emboldens individuals to engage in malicious activities, targeting individuals with impunity. The proliferation of fake news and misinformation further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for victims to defend themselves and reclaim their online narratives. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for online freedom of expression and the regulation of social media platforms in the country. It underscores the need for stronger legal frameworks and robust enforcement mechanisms to protect individuals from online harassment and hold perpetrators accountable.
Alam, known for his vocal advocacy against discrimination and his active involvement in student politics, believes the cyberbullying campaign is a deliberate attempt to silence him and discredit his work. He emphasized the importance of holding social media platforms responsible for the content shared on their platforms, stating that they should implement stricter measures to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect users from online harassment. The case has garnered significant attention from student groups, human rights organizations, and members of the public, who have expressed solidarity with Alam and called for a thorough investigation.
The police investigation will focus on identifying the administrators of the Facebook pages and gathering evidence to support the allegations of cyberbullying and defamation. The Cyber Crime Division will employ digital forensic techniques to trace the origin of the posts and identify the individuals involved. The case is expected to be a landmark legal battle, testing the effectiveness of the Cyber Security Act in addressing online harassment and misinformation. The outcome of the case will set a precedent for future cases involving cyberbullying and could influence how social media platforms operate in Bangladesh.
This incident underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy to combat cyberbullying and promote online safety. Such a strategy should encompass legislative reforms, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly. Collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, social media platforms, and civil society organizations is crucial to creating a safer and more inclusive online environment. The case of Sarjis Alam serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of cyberbullying and the importance of protecting individuals from online harassment.