The interim government has formally called on Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to take immediate steps to curb Bangladesh-related content that it says is fuelling violence, undermining the electoral process, and encouraging attacks on media institutions.
In a letter issued on Friday, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) urged Meta to apply stricter moderation to Facebook posts promoting intimidation and violence, and to place Bangladesh-related content under enhanced scrutiny until the national election and referendum scheduled for February 12 are concluded.
The government warned that Facebook has increasingly been used as a platform to spread calls for mass violence and attempts to disrupt the election amid the country's ongoing political transition.
Referring to the aftermath of the July 2024 uprising, the letter noted that more than 1,400 students were killed and thousands injured during the unrest, and argued that social media -- particularly Facebook -- had played a significant role in amplifying tensions and translating online incitement into real-world attacks.
The NCSA also raised concerns over posts allegedly inciting violence against journalists and media organisations.
The letter referred to recent incidents in which individuals linked to the former regime were seen publicly endorsing violence, followed by vandalism and arson attacks on major media houses, including The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.
"Despite repeated requests from various government bodies and civil sources, Meta has failed to cooperate in disabling accounts identified as responsible for inciting and mobilising violence," the letter said.
The agency warned that the continued circulation of violence-inciting content poses a serious threat to national stability, press freedom, minority safety, and public order.
It said a list of Facebook posts explicitly or implicitly calling for mob violence had been attached to the letter, many of which had previously been reported through official channels but were not acted upon in a timely manner.
As Meta does not operate a local office in Bangladesh, the government said all regulatory communication is conducted through the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), in coordination with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the NCSA. The letter cited the recently approved Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, which authorises the NCSA to intervene in such cases.
The interim government urged Meta to recognise its responsibility to prevent misuse of its platform, strengthen Bengali-language moderation and contextual review mechanisms, take swift action against content that incites violence, and maintain special monitoring of Bangladesh-related content at least until the election period ends.
Describing the issue as one of "national importance," the NCSA said Bangladesh has not held a genuinely participatory election for more than 17 years, and warned that the credibility of the upcoming polls is closely linked to public safety, democratic rights, and long-term political stability.
The letter was addressed to senior Meta officials responsible for public policy and human rights, seeking urgent cooperation to prevent further escalation of violence and safeguard press freedom during the election period.
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