Media Manipulation in Bangladesh by Death Threats: Jamat Shibir’s Influence
- Bangladesh International Affairs Pakistan South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 3 minutes read
Following the recent violent acts perpetrated by radicalized mobs linked to Jamat-e-Islami and Ansarullah Bangla Team—disguised as student protesters—another attempt at destruction was thwarted. After the brutal attack on February 5, 2025, which saw the vandalism of the residence at 32 Dhanmondi and other homes belonging to Awami League members, the group planned yet another assault on February 7. This time, their target was the residence of a prominent Awami League member and Mukti Jodhaa (freedom fighter). However, Awami League supporters were well-prepared to defend against the attack.
When the mob attempted to storm the house in Gazipur, Bangladesh, Awami League supporters resisted, leading to a violent confrontation. Unlike their previous attack, this time, the radicalised mob, and the so-called student protestors faced strong retaliation and suffered heavy losses. Reports indicate that three individuals are in the ICU, while at least 20 others sustained severe injuries.
Following their failure, the group has allegedly turned to media control and misinformation campaigns. Several YouTube videos documenting the attack have reportedly been taken down by Jamat-e-Islami operatives to distort the narrative. Instead of the truth, media channels and affiliated groups are now pushing a false story, claiming that armed robbers had attacked the Awami League member’s house, and that the so-called student protesters rushed to defend it by covering their faces and with wooden sticks—only to be assaulted by Awami League supporters.
This strategic manipulation of information highlights the ongoing efforts to shape public perception and suppress factual accounts of the incident. The efforts to shape public opinion is only possible with the help of mass media and now the media is being tried to be controlled by death threats from the Jamat-e-Islami group and this very confidential information came
into notice when BNP leader and Mukti Jodha (Freedom Fighter) Fazlur Rahman disclosed that over 50,000 YouTube channels, Facebook accounts and groups and X accounts are being used to manipulate the masses.
Why are these people trying to hide? If they are student protestors and not terrorists, why are they covering their faces?