As Bangladesh gears up for its 2024 elections, the potential misuse of social media looms large as a significant concern. With over 50 million Bangladeshis, more than half the population, active on social media, political parties are crafting tailored narratives to connect with their target audiences. The ruling Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party are utilizing social media platforms to promote their respective agendas, with the Awami League investing significantly in paid posts. However, despite the financial investment, the BNP has been able to secure higher pre-election interaction rates, challenging assumptions about online resonance and financial investment.
The youth demographic, which constitutes the majority of social media users and voters, has emerged as a critical force. However, despite political promises of a digitalized and prosperous future, the disillusionment among young voters is palpable. A significant percentage of young voters express a desire to leave Bangladesh due to a perceived worsening state of justice, education, security, and freedom, contributing to the brain drain index. This disillusionment may impact online political engagement and election campaigns.
The battle against misinformation and disinformation is complex, with strategies ranging from legal measures to internet control. Despite efforts to curb political misinformation, social media platforms have become fertile grounds for unchecked fabrications, including the emergence of deepfakes as a potent tool. These manipulated pieces of content have gained traction among users, highlighting the public’s susceptibility to misinformation. The instances of fake content underscore the urgent need for enhanced digital literacy measures in Bangladesh.
The country’s high social media penetration rates amid significant digital illiteracy create a vulnerable landscape for misinformation, with religious and political misinformation adding tension to the social fabric. The influence of Hindu nationalism in India has also affected dynamics in Bangladesh, contributing to the spread of religious and political misinformation.
The Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party are both engaging in online propaganda, complicating the election scenario, with online campaigns becoming battlegrounds for manipulating election outcomes. The potential repercussions on social-political stability are significant.
Despite the challenges posed by social media misuse, the Election Commission and the government continue to grapple with the complexity of misinformation identification. The amendments to the Digital Security Act and the Cybersecurity Act have faced criticism for threatening freedom of speech, highlighting the delicate balance between addressing misinformation and protecting free expression.
As Bangladesh approaches its 2024 elections, the potential for social media misuse to affect the political landscape is a pressing concern that requires careful navigation and comprehensive solutions to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and the stability of the country.