The Center for Enterprise and Society (CES), ULAB, hosted a podcast titled “Political Expression in the Age of Facebook and TikTok,” featuring Shams Ishtiaque Rahman, entrepreneur, citizen activist, and joint secretary of Muktipatra. This organization is dedicated to democracy and freedom of expression.
Recent statistics show that 85% of internet users in Bangladesh are active on Facebook and TikTok, with many of them actively taking on the role of activists, said a press released issued on Monday.
Such platforms bring serious concerns about whether they are really creating political awareness or turning out to be the cause of misinformation.
Shams Ishtiaque Rahman, in the podcast, addresses how youth are embracing social media to mobilize, find their voices, and resist the narratives of power in a closely monitored digital space.
During the podcast, Shams talked about what political expression means for young people in today’s digital world.
He shared his thoughts on how Facebook helped people come together and spread information during last year’s protests.
He also spoke about how online surveillance makes young people afraid to speak freely on social media.
Shams discussed whether social media is helping youth become more politically aware or making them more distracted and divided.
Lastly, he gave his views on whether simply sharing or posting online can lead to real change in society.
The podcast was hosted by Nujhat Jahan Khan, deputy manager, Center for Enterprise and Society, ULAB. Click here to access the podcast:
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