Meta has removed the Facebook account of Bangladeshi journalist and online commentator Ilias Hossain, after posts from his account allegedly encouraged supporters to attack the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
From Friday night, both his personal profile and official page disappeared from the platform.
Media sources report the account had nearly two million followers, while the page had more than 2.2 million.
The development comes one day after violent attacks, vandalism and arson took place at the Dhaka offices of the two newspapers.
The attacks followed multiple posts from Ilias’s verified account late Thursday night, shortly after the death of Osman Hadi, spokesman for the cultural group Inqilab Mancha. Those posts allegedly urged people to move towards the media offices.
No official statement has yet been issued by Meta. However, online monitoring groups say the removal aligns with the platform’s global policies against calls to violence.
Ilias Hossain, currently based in the United States, has built a major online presence through live political broadcasts, commentary and interviews.
His content has long drawn intense debate in Bangladesh — celebrated by supporters as independent journalism and criticised by others as inflammatory.
Cyber authority calls for direct reporting
As public concern grows over the spread of violent online content, national cyber authorities have introduced a direct reporting channel.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, from the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), posted on Facebook, urging citizens to report any social media content inciting violence or conflict. Reports can be filed via WhatsApp at 01308332592 or emailed to [email protected].
He said the agency will review complaints and forward verified cases to platforms.
He clarified that the government cannot directly remove posts, but can request takedowns based on documented links to violence or illegal activity.
Ahmed also reminded users that hate speech or direct calls to violence are punishable under the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025.
The disappearance of Ilias Hossain’s account has sparked debate over the boundaries between political speech and public safety.
While some users welcomed the action, others raised concerns about free expression.
Authorities have not confirmed whether a formal request was made to Meta.
Investigations into the media office attacks are ongoing.
