Bangladesh’s Shrinking Civic Space: A Descent into Disinformation and Violence
Dhaka, Bangladesh – A new report released by VOICE, a prominent research and advocacy organization, paints a grim picture of Bangladesh’s deteriorating civic space, marked by escalating violence, rampant disinformation, and the systematic suppression of fundamental rights. The report, unveiled at a dissemination event in the capital, has sent shockwaves through the nation’s intellectual and activist circles, prompting urgent calls for action to address the alarming erosion of freedoms. The event brought together a diverse assembly of journalists, civil society representatives, legal experts, and academics, all united in their concern over the findings.
The report meticulously documents a surge in mob violence, often fueled by misinformation and targeted towards vulnerable communities. Journalists, writers, and poets find themselves increasingly ensnared in frivolous lawsuits and subjected to harassment, simply for exercising their right to free expression. These incidents, meticulously tracked through monitoring of leading newspapers, television channels, and their associated social media platforms, expose a disturbing pattern of repression and an escalating climate of fear. The report’s findings underscore a chilling reality: the fundamental rights to freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and association are under sustained assault.
A panel discussion featuring prominent voices in the human rights arena provided a platform for in-depth analysis of the report’s findings. S.M. Monjur Rashid, Senior Advisor at UNDP’s Social Protection Policy Support Programme, emphasized the double-edged sword of digitization. While acknowledging the benefits of technological advancements, he stressed the urgent need to critically examine the digital environment being constructed for future generations. He issued a powerful call to break the prevailing culture of silence, urging citizens to actively challenge violations occurring both in the digital realm and within physical civic spaces.
Rezaur Rahman Lenin, an independent researcher and human rights activist, characterized the report as a stark testament to the shrinking civic space in Bangladesh. He stressed the imperative of presenting the report’s findings, analysis, and recommendations to policymakers, urging them to translate concern into concrete action. The alarming trends documented in the report demand immediate attention from those in power, he argued, to prevent further erosion of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Mahpara Alam, a researcher and fellow at the One Future Network, South Asia, brought the issue of gender disinformation into sharp focus. She highlighted the insidious nature of online platforms in spreading harmful narratives and emphasized the urgent need for strategic partnerships between the state and major tech companies like Facebook and TikTok. These partnerships, she argued, are crucial for ensuring the swift identification and removal of objectionable content that specifically targets and humiliates individuals based on their gender identity, class, caste, or culture.
The pervasiveness of gender disinformation and online gender-based violence poses a significant threat to women’s participation in public life, a point underscored by Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE. He stressed the need for legislation that aligns with international human rights standards and advocated for a nationwide campaign to bolster digital literacy and civic education, particularly at the grassroots level. Empowering individuals with the critical thinking skills to navigate the digital landscape and understand their rights is paramount, he argued, in combating disinformation and fostering meaningful civic participation.
The report serves as a wake-up call for both the government and civil society. It underscores the urgency of safeguarding fundamental freedoms and addressing the root causes of violence and disinformation. Concrete actions are needed to counter the prevailing climate of fear and ensure that all citizens can exercise their rights without fear of reprisal. The future of Bangladesh’s democracy hinges on the collective commitment to protect and expand civic space, fostering an environment where open dialogue, critical thinking, and active participation are not only tolerated but celebrated. The international community also has a role to play in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to uphold human rights and democratic values.