Social media and AI could fuel major chaos in election, warns Debapriya Bhattacharya

Social media and artificial intelligence could become major sources of chaos, disorder and social division in the upcoming national election, warned Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue. He said clear signs were already visible, but there was a lack of awareness and effective action among the government, the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies.

He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion titled Free dialogue for democratic reconstruction, digital economy and entrepreneurship, organised by the Centre for Governance Studies at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital. He alleged that the Election Commission lacked both capacity and willingness to curb online hatred against women, disinformation targeting religious and ethnic minorities, and the spread of fake information against candidates.

Bhattacharya said that while some limited steps had been taken at the highest level of government, there were no visible initiatives by the Election Commission or law enforcement to implement them. He stressed that preventing misuse of digital platforms had become essential to ensure a fair election.

Referring to the government’s decision in December to write to Meta over online disorder, he called it a correct move, but said stronger measures were needed to control political violence, hatred and incitement, despite Meta having no office in Bangladesh and facing language limitations. He added that social media could also be used positively to share accurate information on voter lists, polling centres, complaint mechanisms and vote counting transparency, but this opportunity was being ignored.

Speaking at the event, Centre for Governance Studies president Zillur Rahman said the current law and order situation was not conducive to business, the economy, politics or democracy. He said the state itself was supporting polarisation and divisive politics, warning that without addressing these crises, even if an election was held, doubts would remain over whether the country would achieve meaningful democratic recovery.