Obscenity and disinformation flood social media

There appears to be no restraint on abusive, obscene and aggressive commentary across social media platforms. The spread of false information and character assassination targeting political leaders and prominent individuals has reached alarming levels. Even the country’s top state figure and members of their family are not being spared.

Victims and experts say that countless short-form videos circulating on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are contributing to a steady erosion of moral standards.

Various “bot networks”, allegedly operating with political patronage, remain active. There are growing attempts to disguise abusive language as freedom of expression. The language of protest is increasingly being replaced by obscenity and hate. In such an environment, many decent individuals now fear posting about the country, the state, society or politics.

There have been instances where a prominent individual, who has no daughter, was falsely portrayed on Facebook as having a daughter involved in inappropriate activities. A few days ago, a report on the death of a female political activist drew a flood of obscene comments. Many observers consider such expressions of hatred towards the deceased as indicative of an alarming collapse in social values.

Recently, a Facebook page titled “Biggan Tathya” published an informative post about NASA’s historic Artemis II lunar mission, in which a 47-year-old female astronaut, Christina Koch, participated alongside three male astronauts. When many users posted obscene remarks about her, the page’s author responded that one of the key indicators of a person’s education is their behaviour and language. He noted that if even a mature woman like Koch can be subjected to such vulgar insinuations, then no woman is safe in the eyes of certain segments of society. Those who disrespect others’ mothers, he added, ultimately disrespect their own.

Writer and researcher Mohiuddin Ahmed wrote in a Facebook post last year: “I used to post about politics on Facebook. Now I avoid it as much as possible. The way ignorant and ill-mannered individuals swarm and troll makes one’s blood pressure rise.” He further observed that Facebook in this country has yet to become a genuine platform for social communication, having instead fallen into the hands of the ignorant and uncouth. He described such users as ultra-nationalist, religiously fanatic, communal and deeply misogynistic, lacking basic education, discipline and civility.

Towards the end of last year, a female journalist wrote in a Facebook post that while abusive language is not new, it becomes particularly dangerous when it turns into political slogans. She warned that such vulgar language is now easily entering the minds of children through their devices. Addressing those in authority, she questioned whether they realise that this toxicity is affecting not only others’ homes but their own as well, shaping the behaviour of the next generation.

Ahead of last year’s elections, one political group reportedly advised supporters to open fake Facebook accounts to expose and defame rival leaders. In response, opposing groups also encouraged their activists to become active on social media to counter such attacks.

A story published in a newspaper’s Eid supplement last month, titled “YouTuber” and written by a former adviser to an interim government, detailed how bot networks are created and used to defame individuals online.

Further deterioration

The situation has worsened compared to last year. According to a report published on 9 April by Rumour Scanner Bangladesh, a fact-checking organisation recognised by the International Fact-Checking Network, a total of 1,974 pieces of misinformation were identified in Bangladesh during the first quarter of this year (January–March)—an increase of nearly 136 per cent compared to the same period last year, when the number stood at 837. The figure also represents a 37 per cent rise compared to the previous quarter (October–December 2025).

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The organisation observed that the spread of misinformation during this period was driven by major national political developments, including the 13th parliamentary election, as well as various global issues. It also noted that, among individuals, the highest volume of misinformation targeted current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, while among political parties, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party was most affected.

Ongoing debate

Amid recent discussions on freedom of expression following the arrest of a female political activist over allegedly offensive remarks on social media, journalist, researcher and columnist Amin Al Rashid wrote that no developed democratic country permits the use of abusive or defamatory language under the guise of free speech. He argued that while state restrictions on speech for purely political or ideological reasons would constitute an infringement of freedom of expression, no state allows unlimited freedom to insult, spread obscenity or engage in vitriol, as this would lead to uncontrollable anarchy.

Commenting on a report about the activist securing bail, one user wrote that constructive criticism must be based on facts and expressed in a civil manner, aimed at identifying errors or limitations to allow for correction. Personal attacks, obscene remarks about family members, and the spread of false information or rumours, they said, cannot be considered criticism.

In some cases, users even justify abusive comments by adding in brackets: “I have exercised a part of my freedom of expression.”

Expert opinion

Dr Shah Kawsar Mustafa Abul Ulai, former professor of philosophy at the University of Dhaka and former director of its Centre for Advanced Research in Humanities, told Kaler Kantho that indecent behaviour and abusive language have increased in society at large, with social media reaching intolerable levels. He noted that such practices are now evident in politics as well, contributing to moral decline. Although abusive language existed even during the Pakistan era, it remained within limits, he said, adding that as a philosopher, he considers the current trend deeply harmful and unacceptable. He emphasised that alongside abusive behaviour and character assassination, the spread of half-truths and false information is equally damaging and unethical. He called on social thinkers, teachers and intellectuals—regardless of political affiliation—to take collective action to address the issue and promote a culture of civility and truth.

On legal remedies, senior lawyer Manzill Murshid said that even before the advent of digital platforms, provisions existed under the Penal Code to file cases and seek compensation for defamation, abuse or insults. With the rise of digital media, laws such as the Digital Security Act were introduced to address such offences, and despite amendments, relevant provisions remain in place. Victims can seek justice through cyber tribunals, and such cases are indeed being filed.

However, he identified fake accounts as a major challenge in the digital age. Referring to the prevalence of bot networks, he noted that many comments on political posts originate from unidentified accounts without real identities or images. In many cases, a single person may be operating hundreds of fake profiles to spread defamatory content while concealing their identity. Since platforms like Facebook are operated by foreign companies, direct intervention is limited. Nevertheless, users can report such accounts to platform authorities, who may block them after review.

He urged the public to ignore unidentified or anonymous accounts, arguing that doing so would ultimately render such malicious efforts ineffective.

Source: Kaler Kantho