200 Facebook accounts identified for spreading ‘false propaganda’ on quota reform

Police has identified at least 200 Facebook accounts accused of spreading ‘false propaganda’ online regarding quota reform protests by students and job seekers.

Police Division of Cyber Crime Additional Deputy Commissioner Nazmul Islam provided the information on Saturday.

“We have identified at least 200 Facebook accounts used for spreading false propaganda regarding quota reform protests on different social media platforms. We are now investigating the motives,” he told bdnews24.com. 

Students and job seekers demanding reforms in the quota system in government job set up a blockade at the busy intersection of Shahbag on last Sunday following a month-long protest. The police dispersed the protesters from Shahbag using tear gas shells and rubber bullets, which resulted in an overnight clash between the police and protestors.

A number of protesters were injured and false information spread on Facebook saying the clash had led to the death of a student.

The parliament has called on law enforcers to apprehend those responsible for spreading this false information.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the abolition of the quota system in government jobs on Wednesday, the fourth consecutive day of the protests. During her speech she specifically mentioned the false news of the student’s death and said it was used to ‘provoke’ the protesters.