A coordinated online campaign by two Bangladeshi activists based in the United States and France has reportedly led to violent attacks on major media organisations and cultural institutions in Bangladesh, highlighting the risks associated with transnational online incitement.

The campaign, spearheaded by Elias Hossain, a former journalist based in Jackson Heights, New York, and Pinaki Bhattacharya, based in Paris, allegedly mobilised crowds through social media platforms, culminating in vandalism and direct attacks.

Incitement and Attacks

Elias Hossain reportedly posted on Facebook: “Let not a single brick of Prothom Alo remain.” This message was broadcast to his more than 2.2 million followers, amplified by Facebook’s verification badge, and rapidly disseminated across WhatsApp, Instagram, and other Facebook pages.

Within hours of the post, crowds reportedly gathered outside the Dhaka office of Prothom Alo, resulting in vandalism of the building. Hossain, in collaboration with Bhattacharya, simultaneously directed similar attacks on other institutions, including The Daily Star, Chhayanaut, and Udichi.

The activists’ messages were amplified to millions via social media, reportedly mobilising individuals in real time. According to a report by BoomLive, “Elias Hossain and Pinaki Bhattacharya have built what amounts to a remote-controlled mob apparatus, powered almost entirely by Meta’s platforms and YouTube’s recommendation algorithms. Together, they command nearly 15 million followers across Facebook and YouTube, a digital army larger than the population of several Bangladeshi cities.”

Allegations and Escalation

Over the past year, Hossain and Bhattacharya reportedly conducted systematic campaigns against Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. They alleged that these leading newspapers acted on behalf of India’s intelligence agency and disseminated misinformation, thereby fostering distrust and inciting violence. Previous attempts in October and November 2024 included surrounding newsrooms and targeting staff, accompanied by escalating online rhetoric.

The duo also reportedly orchestrated the demolition of the ancestral home of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhanmondi. This event was timed to coincide with Hasina’s live Facebook address, with followers coordinated through continuous online posts and videos.

The BoomLive report further stated: “On the night of December 18, as newsrooms were set ablaze, sections of the crowd openly called for a new government led by Hossain and Bhattacharya. This was not merely online posturing. Both men had developed direct links with government officials and publicly showcased these connections, lending real-world weight to their influence.”

Broader Implications

Journalists and observers have warned that this situation represents one of the first documented cases where social media has been used to direct mass violence across international borders. The events raise urgent questions regarding platform accountability and the capacity of governments to respond effectively to remote, algorithm-driven mob mobilisation.