Shibir’s Social Media ‘Bots’ Outnumber Bangladesh Population: Chhatra Dal Leader

Amanullah Aman, Central Organizing Secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, has alleged that the number of fake Facebook accounts—referred to as “bots”—run by Islami Chhatra Shibir exceeds the population of Bangladesh.

He made this claim at a press conference on Thursday, September 4, at Amtala Square near the transport market of Rajshahi University. The event was organized in response to controversy over a Facebook comment by Anisur Rahman Milon, Vice-President of the Shah Makhdum Hall unit of Chhatra Dal at Rajshahi University. In his comment under a post, Milon referred to 91 female students of July 36 Hall as “not students, but unpaid sex workers.” The remark sparked strong criticism, prompting Chhatra Dal to expel Milon for life and file a case with Motihar Police Station.

Speaking at the press conference, Aman said, “If there are 10 Shibir activists in an area and the local Shibir president makes a post on social media, it draws 10,000 comments. My question is—do these people come from Jannah or do they take leave from Jahannam to appear here, we do not know.”

He further remarked, “I want to urge Shibir—if you truly have manpower, then reveal it. You cannot sustain student politics by making veiled statements from behind the curtain. The students of Bangladesh are now aware. Once DUCSU, RAKSU, and JAKSU elections are held, the true popularity will be clear.”

When asked why Chhatra Dal does not have committees in female dormitories, Aman replied, “Politics at Rajshahi University is different from other campuses. Here, a particular organization operates its activities at two or three levels. Even the provosts of the female halls reportedly pressure students to join Islami Chhatri Sangstha.”

He also claimed, “Many students want to join Chhatra Dal but cannot due to fear. Even leftist organizations have been infiltrated by Shibir members. Though they hold posts in other groups, in reality, they are Shibir activists.”