Instances of sudden appearances of the slogan “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu” on digital boards across Bangladesh are increasing, sparking widespread reactions. These incidents have been reported at various locations, including the digital board at Khulna Railway Station’s main gate, Narail’s Lohagora Government Ideal College, Rajshahi College, Keshabpur Upazila Women’s Madrasa in Jashore, Feni Central Mosque’s prayer schedule board, and recently at the Eureka Complex Jame Mosque in Kolaroa, Satkhira.
Social media users have dubbed this phenomenon as the “digital ghost in the machine,” with some treating it humorously while others see it as a conspiracy. Civil society has raised concerns, terming it an attempt to create public unrest and calling for those responsible to be identified.
One of the latest incidents occurred on Monday evening at the digital signboard of Eureka Fuel Pump Complex Jame Mosque near Sheikh Amanullah College in Kolaroa. Local journalist Tafhimul Islam and other witnesses reported seeing the text “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu, BD 71 Hacker” appear on the board around 6:30 PM, shortly after the Maghrib prayer.
Moments later, the electricity went out, but when it returned, the slogan reappeared on the board. Mosque Imam Tarikul Islam was informed and, after witnessing it himself, immediately disconnected the power supply to the board.
Investigations revealed that “BD 71 Hacker,” the group mentioned in the displayed text, is a Facebook-based hacking group that claims to be ethical hackers. However, they have not claimed responsibility for these incidents.
The unexplained appearances have raised questions about the motives behind such actions and the vulnerability of digital systems to misuse.
