Awami League, which faces a ban on its activities, may attempt to create instability in the country through social media, but practically it lacks the organisational strength to create any major unrest around its founding anniversary on June 23, noted educationist, social thinker and political analyst Prof Dr Mahbub Ullah said on Sunday.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a shadow parliament debate titled “Violence increasing due to the misuse of social media,” organised by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in Dhaka.

Mahbub Ullah also condemned the “discourteous” treatment of Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman in a New Delhi airport, saying it was not only an insult to an individual but also an attempt to undermine Bangladesh.

“Provocations and propaganda aimed at disrupting religious harmony from a neighbouring country are still continuing on social media. We need to remain cautious and vigilant,” he said.

The educationist said the language used by a section of social media users has become “extremely filthy, vulgar and distasteful” and warned that political parties have a responsibility to prevent the spread of rumours and provocations online.

“If rumours and disinformation continue unchecked, defeated forces may find an opportunity to re-emerge,” he said, adding that growing digital addiction among students is also becoming a serious concern.

Chairing the programme, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the government and law enforcement agencies should remain alert to prevent Awami League from carrying out any activities through social media during its founding anniversary that could destabilise the country.

In the shadow parliament debate, the government team from Presidency University defeated the opposition team from Tejgaon College.

Trophies, crests and certificates were distributed among the participating teams at the end of the programme.