Targeted Persecution: Hacked Social Media Accounts and Blasphemy Accusations Fueling Systemic Attacks Against Bangladesh's Minority Youth

October 28, 2024 - Dhaka, Bangladesh - The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has documented an alarming pattern of persecution targeting Bangladesh's minority youth through hacked social media accounts and fabricated blasphemy accusations. This systemic abuse is perpetrated by extremist elements and amplified by Bangladesh's misuse of the Digital Security Act (DSA), endangering the lives and freedoms of innocent young individuals in minority communities.

In a disturbing trend, Hindu youth in Bangladesh are seeing their social media accounts hacked and used to post inflammatory content. This malicious manipulation is then exploited to accuse these youths of blasphemy, triggering mob outrage and swift arrests under the DSA. The situation is further compounded by law enforcement's reluctance to perform digital forensic investigations, opting instead for immediate detentions that are framed as "protective custody" but often lead to violent outcomes.

One of the most harrowing cases is that of 17-year-old Utsav Mondal, who was nearly lynched by an incensed mob as both police and army personnel stood by. Despite government assurances that Utsav is alive, his whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have not presented him publicly or provided any evidence of his condition. HRCBM continues to seek information on Utsav's welfare, as his case epitomizes the unchecked hostility faced by Bangladesh's minority youth.

Another tragic case reported by HRCBM involves Ridhay Paul, a Hindu boy from Faridpur, whose Facebook account was hacked to post blasphemous content. Ridhay was subsequently detained for seven days and released, only to be apprehended once more by the Bangladesh Army. Shocking footage shows Ridhay being blindfolded, bound, and physically assaulted before being taken away in a military vehicle. His fate, like Utsav's, remains uncertain.

"These cases highlight the systemic failure to protect minority youth in Bangladesh. Instead of investigating those who hack these accounts and incite violence, law enforcement is arresting the victims under baseless accusations," said a spokesperson for HRCBM. "Such actions not only violate basic human rights but also contribute to a climate of fear and oppression for Bangladesh's minorities."

The persecution is not limited to detention. Hate speech targeting minority religions continues to spread unchecked, exacerbating tensions and endangering the already vulnerable minority communities. While Bangladesh's government enforces blasphemy laws against minorities, it remains notably inactive against extremist groups and individuals who promote hatred and violence.

HRCBM calls on the international community, human rights organizations, and digital platforms to address this ongoing persecution. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further injustices and protect the fundamental rights of Bangladesh's minority populations. HRCBM urges Bangladesh's government to implement digital forensic protocols, hold extremists accountable, and repeal or reform the Digital Security Act to prevent its misuse against minority groups.

For more information on this case, please visit HRCBM's official site at https://www.hrcbm.org/wp-new/systemic-persecution-of-bangladeshs-minorities-through-digital-manipulation-and-legal-exploitation-the-disturbing-cases-of-utsav-mondal-and-ridhay-paul/

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HRCBM is an international human rights organization dedicated to defending the rights of Bangladesh's religious and ethnic minorities. For over two decades, HRCBM has worked to protect vulnerable communities, advocate for justice, and bring awareness to the ongoing discrimination, violence, and systematic oppression faced by minorities in Bangladesh. Through direct interventions, legal support, and partnerships with global human rights bodies, HRCBM actively pursues justice for those silenced by prejudice and fear.

This release was published on openPR.