Fascist Factions Fuel Fear: Dhaka Under Digital Disruption Watch
Banned political group Awami League and its affiliated wings are reportedly using social media platforms and encrypted apps to spread rumors and propaganda, alongside mobilizing for their so-called “Dhaka Lockdown” program. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies have confirmed that miscreants are attempting to incite nationwide chaos through sudden cocktail explosions and arson attacks. According to officials, these “fascist operatives” have been secretly organizing activities through various online applications.
In anticipation of possible unrest centering on November 13, heightened surveillance has been placed at airports, railway and metro stations, ferry terminals, and bus depots. Authorities have strengthened passenger and luggage screening, enhanced CCTV monitoring, and deployed metal detectors at entry points. Technology is also being used to identify and arrest members of the banned group.
A senior DMP officer said, “Monitoring on social media has been intensified. Every piece of information we receive is being taken seriously. Several activists have already been arrested after analyzing messenger and WhatsApp groups. Telegram has been found as their most-used app, along with Signal. Bots are also being used to spread panic. We are obtaining crucial information from detainees and taking measures accordingly. Attempts are underway to trace and arrest those financing sabotage.”
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Branch Chief Mohammad Shafiqul Islam revealed, “A rickshaw puller was paid Tk 500 to shout slogans, and the video was circulated on social media. Later, crime database analysis showed he had no criminal record. This is how fear is being spread online.”
Meanwhile, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali reassured residents that there was “no reason to panic” over the Awami League’s November 13 program. “DMP has the capacity to deal with any act of sabotage,” he said, urging the public to report suspicious individuals to nearby police stations or by calling 999.
Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khondoker Rafiqul Islam said the police remain vigilant to prevent anyone from acting on “propaganda spread through social media.” DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam added that sufficient preparations had been made based on intelligence received from Facebook and YouTube.
DIG of Mass Rapid Transit Police Siddiqi Tanzilur Rahman confirmed that “extra police forces have been deployed and surveillance intensified across all metro rail stations.”
Speaking on the digital dimension of the unrest, DB Chief Shafiqul Islam said, “Fascist groups are conducting organizational activities through various apps, especially Telegram. They issue directives like where to gather, and within minutes, they appear on the streets, record videos, and spread them online. These same groups have carried out recent cocktail explosions. After arrests, it became clear how they operate through apps. DB is actively countering and monitoring all such digital operations.”
Amid fears of random explosions and arson, anxious parents have been contacting educational institutions over the past two days, urging closures for safety. Several private universities announced emergency shifts to online classes on Wednesday (November 12), citing security concerns. Some issued notices disclaiming responsibility for “any unforeseen incidents.” English-medium schools also postponed exams and activities, while government schools have not declared any closures.
A post in a parents’ Facebook group for Viqarunnisa Noon School and College read: “We request the authorities to close the school tomorrow, November 13, for the safety of our children.” Teachers at Milestone School and College in Uttara informed parents that, “Considering the overall situation, students are advised not to attend classes on November 13. The school will not be liable for any untoward incident.”
Political analysts say that despite the attempts to incite panic, arson and vandalism can no longer garner public sympathy or political traction. In this tense context, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to address the nation on Thursday (November 13) afternoon. His speech is expected to clarify issues regarding the upcoming referendum and possibly announce the verdict date for Sheikh Hasina in the Human Rights Tribunal case.
Meanwhile, old videos of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—previously shared by her own supporters—are now being reshared by her opponents in connection with the July Movement, particularly clips of her speeches referencing violence and unrest.
DBTech/Bani/CA/OR
