In today's world, the role of the media is indispensable, and within the media landscape, social media has emerged as the most powerful force. In a country like Bangladesh, which is experiencing economic and social transformation, social media plays a highly influential role in shaping politics, the economy, and public awareness. On the one hand, it strengthens public engagement and encourages young people to participate in constructive activities; on the other, it has become a major tool for political propaganda, misinformation, and incitement. It is no exaggeration to say that social media has surpassed traditional mainstream media and has become the primary arena for shaping public opinion. The Rapid Expansion of Information Technology and Social Media According to international organizations and global statistics for 2026, Bangladesh has a population of approximately 177.8 million people. Of them, around 151.9 million use mobile phones, while more than 99.1 million have access to the internet. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), 89.4% of the population uses mobile phones and 58.4% uses the internet. Due to financial constraints, many disadvantaged and low-income people in both rural and urban areas cannot regularly read newspapers or watch television. As a result, they increasingly rely on mobile phones and internet access within their households for information, making social media their primary source of news and communication. Beyond communication, social media has also become a platform for small businesses, entertainment, and income generation. Many young people from rural Bangladesh have emerged as successful content creators and influencers. Owing to this immense popularity, even print and electronic media outlets are now compelled to distribute their content through social media platforms. Citizen Journalism and Social Media in Political Organizations Political parties, social organizations, and professional associations are increasingly using social media to bypass traditional media and communicate directly with the public. It has proven to be one of the most effective tools for mobilizing supporters and promoting organizational ideologies at minimal cost and within the shortest possible time. Moreover, social media has created opportunities for independent expression outside the boundaries of mainstream media, giving rise to what is now widely known as "citizen journalism." Every mobile phone has effectively become a camera. Whenever an incident occurs, ordinary citizens can instantly record and share videos online—coverage that mainstream media, despite its large workforce, cannot always provide alone. Consequently, newspapers and television channels increasingly rely on content originating from social media. Major social and political movements, including the quota reform movement and the Safe Roads movement, gained momentum through online platforms before evolving into nationwide campaigns. Likewise, the role of social media in the anti-government movement of 2024 cannot be denied. Images and videos—often containing a mixture of truth and misinformation—spread rapidly, influencing public perception and placing significant pressure on policymakers. The Misuse of Social Media and Dr. Yunus's Public Relations Network However, social media also has a darker side. It is frequently used to spread misinformation and rumors, undermine political opponents, incite communal tensions, encourage blind partisan loyalty, and promote extremism. Observers familiar with the issue note that the Yunus Centre officially focuses on global initiatives related to Social Business and microfinance. Officially, its communication network is said to operate only in Bangla and English. In reality, however, more than 114 Yunus Social Business Centres (YSBCs) around the world actively promote Dr. Muhammad Yunus's ideas and positive public image internationally. Through this extensive global network, along with internship and exposure visit programs, its media operation has developed a pool of highly skilled professionals and volunteers. Dr. Yunus's public relations team works in a highly organized manner to strengthen his international reputation and actively shape narratives in his favor. A Lack of Coordination in the Awami League's Media Campaign In contrast, although millions of supporters of the Bangladesh Awami League and the ideals of the Liberation War are spread across Bangladesh and abroad, the absence of a clear and professional strategy has prevented this enormous human resource from being effectively utilized. While many party leaders and activists remain focused on internal power politics and organizational positions, the same sense of urgency to strengthen the party in today's global information war appears to be largely absent—except, according to the author, in the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina. Whatever communication efforts are undertaken tend to be fragmented and isolated rather than systematic or institutionalized. As a result, despite the widespread misinformation and propaganda circulating on social media concerning Bangabandhu, the Liberation War, Bangladesh's independence, and the Awami League, there is no strong, coordinated, and fact-based platform capable of providing effective political and historical counterarguments. Many people mistakenly believe that the Centre for Research and Information (CRI) serves as the Awami League's media and publicity wing. In reality, however, CRI primarily functions as the party's research organization. The Information Battle Is the Real Political Battle In today's political landscape, the battle over information has become the defining political contest. To counter misinformation and present the country's true history and development achievements to the public, the Awami League must move beyond conventional political methods. Unless it develops skilled communication professionals, adopts modern technologies, establishes well-organized information cells, and ensures an effective presence across multiple social media platforms, the party's continued weakness in the information war could pose a significant challenge—not only for the Awami League itself but also for the ideals of Bangladesh's Liberation War.

Author: Niharika Roy, Political Analyst and Columnist.