Chinese nationals no longer seen filming ‘mysterious’ videos in Dhaka

Chinese nationals who had long been filming videos across various neighbourhoods of the capital, particularly in Uttara, are no longer seen shooting footage following intensified surveillance by law enforcement agencies.

According to local residents, more than 150 Chinese citizens had been roaming streets, alleys, and residential areas including Sector-12 and Tekpara in Uttara from morning until night, recording footage of roads, houses, and local surroundings.

At times, they reportedly entered private residences while filming in a manner resembling broadcast journalists reporting live from the field.

However, residents confirmed that these foreign nationals have not been seen filming in the area since 7 November. A spot visit to Sector-12, Tekpara, and adjacent localities on Thursday also found no trace of their filming activities.

Police ramped up monitoring after media reports surfaced regarding their unexplained filming and commentary.

Uttara West Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Khalid Mansur said law enforcement and intelligence personnel checked the passports and visas of several Chinese nationals and questioned them about engaging in such activities while travelling on tourist visas.

They were also instructed to leave the country upon the expiry of their visas.

"Such activities by Chinese nationals have declined due to the prompt action of law enforcement agencies. Police and intelligence agencies are keeping their movements under strict observation," the OC added.

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The issue also drew diplomatic reaction from New Delhi after reports alleged that footage of slums in Dhaka was being livestreamed on Chinese social media platforms and misrepresented as scenes from the Indian capital.

During a weekly briefing on Tuesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the practice "unfortunate" and urged relevant authorities to take action against those involved.

Citing media reports, he stated that attempts to project a distorted image of a country by misrepresenting Dhaka as Delhi undermine the credibility of both the perpetrators and those behind such false narratives.