Satirical Game ‘Guptadhar’ Sparks Debate Ahead of National Election
A satirical game titled “Guptadhar” has been released centring on the national election scheduled for February 12. However, the identities of the game’s developers have not been disclosed in its design or promotional materials.
According to sources, the web- and Android-based game was released on January 24. By 11:00 pm on January 28, the game had been played a total of 1,269,431 times across 38,157 unique devices, indicating rapid traction among users.
The game consists of five stages, and its official description states that the core concept is built around the reality that various types of criminals and destructive forces in Bangladeshi society often remain silently hidden among ordinary people. Each stage symbolically represents a specific social reality and its associated threat.
Based on this thematic progression, the first stage of the game is titled “Gupta Dharshok” (Hidden Rapist), which the developers describe as a symbol of predatory mentality concealed behind outward appearances. The second stage, “Gupta Khuni” (Hidden Killer), represents lurking violent tendencies. This is followed by “Gupta Rajakar”, symbolising individuals carrying ideologies opposed to the spirit of 1971, and “Gupta Rogkata-Sontroshi” (Hidden Machete-Wielding Terrorist), portraying brutality concealed within society. In the first stage, players are given 15 seconds, with the time gradually reduced to 14, 13, 12, and 11 seconds in subsequent stages.
The game, however, has triggered intense reactions on social media. While some users expressed excitement in comment sections—posting remarks such as “I caught 77” or “Please pin the game link”—others were sharply critical. Screenshots of the game were shared alongside comments such as, “Check whether there is any stench in your own backyard before searching for it elsewhere,” and “Thanks for portraying your own activities this way.”
Analysts warn that while such a game may provide entertainment content on social media ahead of the election, it also carries the risk of undermining social harmony. Social commentators have further cautioned that the choice of terminology used in the game could potentially encourage labelling and bullying, and have advised careful reflection on its broader societal impact.
DBTech/RM/CD/OR
