Social Media: Enabling A Style Of Populist Politics
Social media have proven their strength, yet again, in Bangladesh this time! In 2011, Anti-Government campaigns on social media triggered an unrest in Egypt, leading to the fall of former President Muhammad Hosni El Sayed Mubarak (May 4, 1928 - February…
Social media have proven their strength, yet again, in Bangladesh this time! In 2011, Anti-Government campaigns on social media triggered an unrest in Egypt, leading to the fall of former President Muhammad Hosni El Sayed Mubarak (May 4, 1928 - February 25, 2020) who had ruled the country for nearly three decades (from 1981 to 2011). Similar incidents happened in Libya and Tunisia, too, in recent years. Social media played a crucial role in the fall of the Awami League Government, led by former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed, on August 5, 2024, 15 years after she came to power for the second time.
Of course, there are some other factors behind the current political chaos in the South Asian country. Hasina's Awami League Party registered victory in the last three General Elections almost unopposed, as she established an electoral hegemony to run a corrupt government for 15 long years! These issues, too, have intensified the Anti-Government sentiment among Opposition parties and also among the people of Bangladesh. In such a situation, social media have given a voice to public sentiment, created a space for mass protests and mobilised protestors to speed up their actions. Undoubtedly, social media have made it possible for citizens of Bangladesh to overthrow the Hasina Government.
Due to the advancement of technology, social media can give a collective look to mass protests against a ruler or against any injustice committed by the ruling class. They have the ability to make people aware of a piece of news or event in a fraction of a moment! It works on two levels: Dissatisfaction and protest find their rightful position through social media; and social media platforms prompt people to take to the streets. Although the first level is invisible, it often shapes public opinion. The second level is clearly visible and it tends to shake the very foundation of the existing regime!
The strength of social media has been felt during various mass protests in different parts of the globe in recent times. One can mention the Black Lives Matter Movement in the US, the Farmers' Movement in India and protests against the Refugee Policy of governments in various European countries. Almost the same thing happened in Bangladesh from June 5 to August 5, 2024.
The technological factor of social media is their greatest strength, as well as greatest weakness! Some people spread misinformation, rumours and even trigger riots by taking advantage of this weakness. It may be noted that a section of people in Bangladesh started targeting the minority Hindu community immediately after the fall of Hasina Government.
In the contemporary world, citizens of each and every country have to shoulder certain responsibilities. They should keep in mind that staging protests has become easier because of the powerful social media. However, the misuse of social media can also destroy a society. It is hence one should act in a cautious manner, without getting too influenced by different forms of social media.
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