Social media chaos fuelling mob violence: Fakhrul

Bangla Press Desk: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned that unchecked activities on social media are fuelling mob violence, spreading false campaigns and obstructing the country's democratic transition.

"They are trying to create a kind of anarchy, a sort of chaos. Mob violence is being instigated, false campaigns are being run against people. Individuals are being misrepresented -- and without doubt, this is obstructing our democratic journey," he said at the opening session of the biennial council of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) at the Jatiya Press Club on Friday.

Fakhrul said social media had become a global problem due to a lack of accountability.

"Anyone can say anything. Negative campaigns against political leaders, public figures and businesses are being carried out in a way that does not strengthen democracy," he added.

He urged journalists to strengthen their unions and avoid aligning with any political party, saying this was the only way to protect their professional rights and ensure true media freedom.

"If journalists want to establish their rights -- whether in employment or other areas -- their unions need to become stronger," he said.

"You must stand strong, and you must stand on your own without being involved with any political party. Only then will you be able to secure what you deserve. You have to carry out the true responsibility of the union with full accountability," he said.

Fakhrul praised journalists who opposed "fascism" during the anti-government movement and noted that representatives of 18 affiliated journalist unions, including the Dhaka Union of Journalists, were attending the council.

Speaking about the upcoming national election, he said the entire nation was waiting for the February polls, hoping to return to a democratic system. "Democracy means I may not agree with you, but I will defend your right to express your views," he said, adding that people in Bangladesh were too often treated as enemies for holding different opinions.

Later in the day, Fakhrul told reporters that the physical condition of party chairperson Khaleda Zia is "very critical".

He said this at a programme after holding prayers for Khaleda's recovery in front of the party's Nayapaltan central office in Dhaka.

BP/SP