Video of Student Protest Misleadingly Shared in Relation to Bangladesh’s Recent Unrest
The Claim
Some Hindu women have been kidnapped. In jihad taking women prisoners for sex slavery is legitimate as per Sharia.
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Emerging story
In light of the recent unrest in Bangladesh, social media users widely circulated a video claiming to show a woman with her mouth taped and hands bound. The post, shared by various publishers, alleges that Islamists and jihadists are targeting and raping Hindu Muslims in the country.
An X user shared the video, along with the caption, “Hindu Women in Bangladesh! They are being Raped and Killed! Hindus are staring at a Genocide in Bangladesh. These images and videos make you feel so helpless!”
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral footage and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team determined the video making the rounds to be old and unrelated to the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh.
Outdated Video Shows Students Protest Over a Student’s Suicide
Contrary to social media users’ viral claim, the video was not shot in relation to Bangladesh’s recent crisis. Instead, the video shows a drama recital to protest against a female student’s suicide.
Misbar’s investigative team found the original video uploaded to Facebook on July 26. The video’s translated caption reads, “The girl is an ordinary student of Jagannath University 2021-22 academic year. This video is a scene from a drama recital to protest against Avantika's suicide a few days ago!”
Misbar’s team found another video report covering the protest uploaded to YouTube on March 17, 2024. The video’s translated title reads, “Torch march to demand punishment of the instigators of Avantika's suicide.”
The video shows the same woman, with her mouth taped and hands bound, performing the same dramatic recital seen in the circulating footage. The report also includes other scenes from the protest at that time.
A Student’s Suicide Sparks Protests at Jagannath University
Firoz Abantika, a law student at Jagannath University, tragically committed suicide at her home in Cumilla's Bagichagaon after posting a message on Facebook. In her post, she held Assistant Proctor Deen Islam and fellow law student Amman Siddique responsible for her decision, accusing them of harassment. Both individuals were arrested at the time, according to DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, with assistance from Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch.
Abantika's death has ignited a wave of protests at Jagannath University. Students staged a demonstration, demanding justice for her death, which they described as a "planned murder."
The protesters issued a five-point demand, including a fair and impartial investigation, the arrest and permanent expulsion of both Amman Siddique and Deen Islam, protection for the victim's family, the filing of a case by the university administration, and the activation of the university's Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell.
In response, the university authorities have temporarily relieved Assistant Proctor Deen Islam of his duties and expelled Amman Siddique, as stated in a press release.
Bangladesh PM Resigns and Flees Amid Deadly Protests
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country following weeks of deadly protests. In a televised address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the head of the army, announced that an interim government would be formed and called on citizens to trust the military to restore order.
Thousands of protesters have stormed Hasina’s residence in Dhaka, while others have taken to the streets to celebrate her departure. The protests, initially led by students against governmental job quotas, have grown into a nationwide anti-government movement. Demonstrators have been demanding justice for hundreds of people killed in recent weeks.
Supporters Guard Hindu Temples and Churches Amid Attacks on Minority Groups
In the wake of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation following a national uprising, student leaders in Bangladesh have urged their supporters to protect Hindu temples and churches, amid rising concerns over attacks on minority groups. Diplomats and human rights organizations have also voiced alarm over reports of violence targeting religious minorities.
On Tuesday, opposition politicians called for the protection of all Bangladeshis, regardless of religion or political affiliation, in response to the growing incidents of violence. The student leaders who spearheaded the protests against Hasina, originally focused on discriminatory government job quotas, have also appealed to the public to avoid targeting minority communities in the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people.
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