Meta removes Ilias Hossain's Facebook page

Meta, the parent company of social media platform Facebook, has removed the Facebook page of so-called online activist Ilias Hossain.

His verified Facebook page, which has about 2.2 million followers, has been inaccessible since Friday (December 19) night.

Violence, vandalism and arson occurred in various parts of the country after the death of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency Sharif Osman Hadi. During this time, attacks and vandalism were carried out on two of Bangladesh's top national dailies, Prothom Alo and the English daily Daily Star, as well as cultural institutions such as Chhayanaut and Udichi. 

"On Thursday night, Ilias Hossain posted multiple provocative statuses on his Facebook page, and immediately after his instigation, unprecedented attacks occurred on the country's two main news papers  outlets. Following this, his Facebook page has not been visible since Friday night. There are allegations that he regularly broadcasts content instigating extremism and destructive activities through his personal Facebook and YouTube channels."

No official statement was received from Meta on this matter. However, according to Facebook's Community Standards, action is taken in cases of content that incites violence, hate speech, or poses a risk to public safety.

The removal of the Facebook page has sparked discussion on social media.