Amnesty International has warned that Bangladesh could face serious human rights abuses unless Meta takes timely and effective action to address harmful content on Facebook. In the lead-up to the country’s 12 February parliamentary elections, observers noted a surge in misleading and inflammatory content targeting political parties and minority communities. Much of this content reportedly originated from India, amplifying sectarian narratives and heightening the risk of discrimination and violence against vulnerable groups.
Recent attacks on media outlets illustrate the real-world consequences of online incitement. On 18 December 2025, mobs attacked the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo after threats circulated on social media portraying the outlets as “Indian agents” and calling for their destruction. Investigations found a direct link between online content and the violence, and Bangladeshi authorities warned Meta about delays in moderating posts that incited attacks. Amnesty International stresses that such incidents are part of a broader pattern, with online disinformation fueling fear and tensions among minority communities.
Meta’s surveillance-based business model, which promotes content that maximizes engagement, can amplify sensational or polarizing material, including lawful content that still poses human rights risks. This algorithmic amplification increases the reach of harmful content, potentially contributing to real-world violence. Amnesty International has urged Meta to implement emergency mitigation measures in high-risk contexts, including Bangladesh, to prevent escalation and protect vulnerable groups.
Ahead of the elections, Amnesty International requested that Meta explain how it would manage human rights risks, including cross-border content, and provide data on moderation efforts in Bangla-language. Meta did not respond within the requested timeframe, highlighting gaps in accountability. The organization emphasizes that social media companies have a responsibility under international human rights standards to proactively prevent and mitigate harms linked to their platforms.
Bangladesh’s political context heightens the risk of online harms turning into real-world violence. Mass protests in July 2024 led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India and was later sentenced in absentia for crimes against humanity. India’s refusal to extradite her has strained relations between the countries, adding further complexity to the political environment in which harmful online content circulates. Amnesty International stresses that urgent action by Meta is essential to prevent further violence and safeguard the rights of minority communities in Bangladesh.
