Citizen Journalism through Social Media during 2013 and 2018 Mass Movements in Bangladesh and Its Impact on the Mass Revolution of 2024

Abstract

Protests have been a potent instrument for attaining justice for the marginalized since human civilization's inception. The proliferation of digital technology largely triggers contemporary manifestations of protest. The phenomenon of citizen journalism, facilitated by diverse social media platforms, has played a pivotal role in recent transformative changes. From the Arab Spring to the more recent anti-discrimination student movement in Bangladesh, social media has significantly shaped a new historical narrative for the demonstrators. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the rise of citizen journalism in Bangladesh, specifically focusing on the protests that took place in 2013 and 2018. The mass uprising that took place in July-August 2024 also witnessed stern influence of citizen journalism, which eventually brought about a revolutionary change in Bangladesh. This study assesses the beneficial influence of citizen journalism achieved through social media platforms in the anti-discrimination student-led movement in Bangladesh, which marked a notable change in the political landscape of the country. An authoritarian dictatorship lasting 15 years had been replaced by a new temporary administration. Consequently, the movement was hastened by the influence of many activities, including hashtags, red-colored profile pictures, and Facebook groups. In the social milieu of Bangladesh, the story of social media has garnered a notably favorable response, mostly driven by Generation Z. Furthermore, this study describes the effects of social media on various aspects of public affairs in Bangladesh and emphasizes the need to conduct further research to assess the influence of citizen journalism on social media in other areas of governance and policy. Through the eclectic method, literature has been reviewed to analyze the current uprising in the light of citizen journalism.  The political landscape in Bangladesh has changed, which will create more opportunities for citizen journalism in the days ahead. In actuality, this represents a paradigm shift in both the communication and journalism domains.

Keywords: Bangladeshi Political Movements and Protest, Citizen Journalism, Hashtag, Social Media, Student Movement