Massive protests swept across Bangladesh on Monday as thousands took to the streets in a show of solidarity with Palestinians and to condemn the ongoing Israeli bombings in Gaza. However, the demonstrations have sparked controversy after reports of vandalism emerged, coinciding with the inauguration of a high-profile investment summit in Dhaka.
While the protests were largely peaceful in many areas, isolated incidents of property damage were reported in the capital and several other cities. Videos and images that surfaced on social media appeared to show acts of vandalism, including damaged vehicles and defaced banners near the summit venue. However, questions have since been raised about the authenticity of some of the circulated content.
A wave of online posts, many of which went viral within hours, included visuals that analysts now say were generated using artificial intelligence. Digital forensics experts and internet watchdogs flagged several photos and videos as being manipulated or completely fabricated, prompting public concern about misinformation and deliberate attempts to incite unrest or tarnish Bangladesh’s image on the global stage.
The Inspector General of Police, Baharul Alam, has instructed police officers to arrest the individuals responsible for vandalising shops and businesses in Sylhet and several other cities across the country.
“We have video footage of the attackers. They are being identified and will be arrested immediately. Police teams are currently working on this,” said IG Alam. “The government does not impede any lawful protests. However, we will not tolerate any criminal acts under the guise of protest.”
Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said: “At a time when we are hosting a summit to showcase Bangladesh as an investment destination, it is unfortunate to see our countrymen setting such deplorable examples. A lot of these businesses were local investors, some of them were foreigners who believed in Bangladesh. They all offered employment opportunities to our youth. Those who have committed these heinous acts of vandalism are true enemies of job creation, economic growth, and stability.”
However, public opinion remains divided over the nature and impact of the incidents. Many citizens have condemned the vandalism, particularly as it occurred on a day designed to showcase Bangladesh as a destination for global investment. “We support the cause of the Palestinians, but vandalising public property sends the wrong message,” said Mahbub Alam, a Dhaka-based businessman.
At the same time, a growing number of people are raising concerns about the use of AI-generated content to misrepresent the protests. “These fake images are dangerous. They can escalate tensions and mislead both the public and international observers,” said Afsana Rahman, a digital rights activist.
Some online commentators have gone further, suggesting that the AI-generated content may have been disseminated by sympathisers of the previous regime, which was ousted during a mass uprising last year. While no concrete evidence has been provided, the claims have further inflamed political tensions.
Analysts and civil society groups are now calling for greater transparency and accountability in both policing and information governance. Media literacy campaigns, stronger regulation of AI-generated content, and clearer mechanisms for verifying digital media have all been suggested as ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As Bangladesh navigates a delicate balance between domestic dissent, international diplomacy, and technological disruption, the events of Monday have become a flashpoint for broader concerns about protest, propaganda, and the power of digital misinformation in shaping public discourse.