How ‘tagging’ silences critical voices in Bangladesh

DHAKA – The political upheaval in August 2024, which overthrew Sheikh Hasina’s government and installed an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, put Bangladesh at a turning point in its democratic trajectory. Despite this change in leadership, however, the divisive practice of “tagging”—the labeling of individuals or groups with a politically charged identity—remains deeply rooted in the nation’s political culture. Over the past 16 years, tags have been used as a tool to suppress opposition, discredit social movements, and limit public criticism. This culture, spread under the Awami League and more recently adopted by other movements, has systematically undermined Bangladesh’s democratic discourse and principles of social cohesion.

For more than a decade and a half, the AL government has used tagging as a political tool, labeling dissenters as opponents, traitors or allies of rival factions. Journalists, activists and civil society figures who criticized government policies were often labeled as belonging to parties such as the BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami, seeing their criticism as subversive rather than mainstream. Labeling dissent as “anti-state,” the tags have become a strategic means of isolating opposition and stifling public discourse. This tactic created an atmosphere of caution, prompting individuals and organizations to self-censor to avoid the stigma associated with perceived political affiliation.

Tagging has also become a powerful tool against quota movements organized by youth, especially those organized by students who advocate for government accountability, transparency, and justice. As these protests gained momentum, participants were often labeled as “rebellious” or “anti-national” to downplay their grievances and discourage wider public activism. Instead of being perceived as passionate supporters of democratic reforms, these young activists were portrayed as foreign-influenced agitators or destroyers of national stability. This branding not only stunted the growth of these movements, but also pressured individuals within them to disassociate themselves, eroding the collective critical voice of the next generation.

With the establishment of an interim government led by Yunus, hopes for a fresh start to rule were high; however, tagging culture remains prevalent. Critics of the government’s policies now risk being labeled “Awami League supporters” or “pro-establishment”. This re-tagging creates a mechanism of rejection where critics are rejected not based on the content or merits of their arguments, but based on perceived political loyalties. Such continued tagging shifts the focus away from constructive dialogue, undermining the government’s capacity for meaningful engagement with the public.

Tagging has had a particularly damaging effect on some members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, where minority Hindus who speak out are often labeled “Awami supporters” or “India sympathizers”. Such labeling downplays the real problems that some members of the Hindu community face, such as violence and intimidation in society. By attributing Hindu dissent to foreign influence, the tagging discredits their concerns, discourages them from voicing their grievances, and further isolates them from mainstream society.

Indigenous communities in Bangladesh, particularly those living in environmentally sensitive areas, have long been at the forefront of environmental activism. They constantly express concern about development projects that threaten their ancestral lands, livelihoods and cultural heritage. However, their voices are often silenced by pejorative labels such as “extremists” or “foreign agents.” This tactic discredits their legitimate interests, portrays them as threats to national security, and justifies forced displacement. Such labeling not only undermines their rights, but also perpetuates a culture of fear and intimidation, hindering their ability to participate fully in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Secular intellectuals and writers in Bangladesh who challenge religious fundamentalism or social conservatism are often the targets of harassment and intimidation. By openly criticizing these forces, they risk being labeled “atheists” or “blasphemers,” fueling hatred, violence, and social ostracism. Such tactics are used to silence dissenting voices and maintain an atmosphere of fear, preventing the free exchange of ideas and stifling critical thinking.

Women who challenge patriarchal norms or advocate for gender equality face intense harassment and threats offline. They are often labeled as “immoral,” “disorderly,” or “Western” to discredit their activism and discourage others from following suit. These tactics reinforce traditional gender roles and silence those who seek to challenge the status quo, undermining the credibility of women’s rights activists and perpetuating a culture of discrimination.

The rise of social media has intensified the use of tags, as government supporters often use online platforms to amplify labels against critics. Thanks to the reach and speed of social media, tagging as a tactic has been amplified, allowing supporters to quickly spread negative labels and misinformation about dissenting individuals or groups. Internet groups and government-linked influencers brand critics as “foreign agents,” “anti-nationals,” or “opposition sympathizers,” triggering waves of online harassment that silence critics with extreme insults and trolling. This decentralized but coordinated use of social media tags normalizes divisive rhetoric, preventing open dialogue on key issues.

The prevalence of the tags has disrupted public discourse in Bangladesh, shifting the focus from criticism of politics to the personalities of the critics themselves. This divisive practice discourages public engagement by reducing complex social issues to simplistic dichotomies. As tags spread, they foster suspicion in society, fuel polarization and stifle the critical debate necessary for democratic development. By focusing on perceived favoritism rather than substantive issues, tagging undermines efforts at social cohesion and understanding, eroding the foundations of Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations.

For Bangladesh to develop as a democratic society, overcoming the entrenched culture of tagging is crucial. To foster a public sphere that values ​​criticism and encourages constructive discourse, government and civil society must move away from labeling individuals and groups based on perceived affiliation. The sustainability of a democratic society depends on its ability to engage diverse viewpoints without reducing them to simple tags. By creating space for genuine debate and breaking down the culture of tagging, Bangladesh can build a more cohesive, inclusive and dynamic society where critical voices, regardless of affiliation, are respected for their contribution to the country’s development.