Resource Mobilization: The Catalyst of Human Rights Movement In Bangladesh

 

Introduction

Human Rights Movements are more likely to succeed in the digital era because of the capacity to mobilize resources using Information and Communication Technologies. The resource mobilization theory emphasizes the relevance of resources in the formation and success of social movements, such as knowledge, money, media, labor, solidarity, legitimacy, and internal and external backing from a power elite. However, governments in Southeast Asia have started enacting harsh legislation to limit Internet and social media use to impede mobilization activities. Bangladesh is a country where Human Rights Movements are gaining traction, and it is critical to investigate how they are employing internet tools to achieve success.

Bangladesh has a lengthy history of abuses of human rights, including labor rights, gender inequality, religious persecution, and political repression. The use of information and communication technologies to raise resources and gather support for social movements has also increased in the nation. The following are two instances of successful Human Rights Movements in Bangladesh that leveraged digital resources:

The Indigenous Rights Movement

In August of 2022, the indigenous people of the Chittagong hill tracts demonstrated a rally in order to stop human rights violations. Speaking during the protests, indigenous leaders accused the military of extrajudicial executions, disappearances, abductions, land confiscation, and Women abuse and asked that the military leave the hill regions.

This movement has been noteworthy in the digital era due to the availability of digital resources that have offered a platform for activists to mobilize and magnify their voices. The Resource Mobilization Theory suggests that social movements require resources to develop and prosper and they are vital components of the movement's sustainability. Social movements in the digital era have access to a wide range of resources that might help them mobilize, including expertise, money, media, labor, solidarity, legitimacy, and internal and external backing from a power elite.

To mobilize and magnify its message, the Indigenous Rights movement in Bangladesh has used digital tools such as social media, online news portals, podcasts, and YouTube videos. Social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have been handy in uniting indigenous activists and groups in Bangladesh and throughout the world. Combined these platforms have made it possible for activists to exchange information, plan rallies, and protests, and participate in advocacy efforts. Facebook, specifically, played a crucial role in gathering support and spreading the word about the issue as 26.6% of the population actively uses this platform.

Furthermore, indigenous activists have used modern technology, such as cameras in their phones to document and expose human rights crimes and other transgressions against indigenous people. Activists have been able to raise awareness about the situation of indigenous populations and rally support for their cause by uploading images, films, and other material online.

Chittagong Hill Tracts protestors demand the UN's attention for the human rights crisis

[Photo Source: HillVoice.net]

 

The Shahbagh Movement 2013

In 2013, Bangladesh witnessed a fervent display of public outrage at Shahbagh Projonmo Square in Dhaka as young people coalesced into a powerful movement. The International Crimes Tribunal had recently sentenced Abdul Quader Molla for his abominable war crimes during the country's Liberation War in 1971. Nevertheless, many felt that the sentence of life imprisonment handed down to Molla was far too mild and called for the death penalty instead. As the demonstrations grew, activists representing diverse sections of society joined hands in their demand for justice. A notable success was achieved by the movement's efforts, ultimately leading to the execution of Abdul Quader Molla. Its widespread message spread rapidly through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. To galvanize public opinion and attract more supporters to their cause, movement supporters used these outlets to share images and videos of protests. The movement effectively gathered funds and support from digital arenas by utilizing online petitions and crowdfunding components. The successful change was demanded by mobilizing resources such as knowledge, media coverage, and solidarity from individuals around the globe.

With a defined hierarchy of leadership, a significant crowd of supporters, and an adept utilization of digital platforms to garner backing, the movement was successful in achieving its goals. The movement was able to raise funds and resources from within and outside the country using online crowdfunding platforms and donations from supporters.

Shahbagh Projonmo Square Uprising Demanding the death penalty of War Criminals Of 1971

[Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons]

Conclusion

The Resource Mobilization Theory is a significant component of the mass mobilization of people in Human Rights Movements and Public Support gatherings. The Resource Mobilization theory provides a valuable framework for assessing the effectiveness of Human Rights Movements in the digital era, notably in Bangladesh.

Because of the availability of digital technologies such as social media and online forums, activists have been able to organize resources such as information, media, and solidarity in order to demand change and hold those in power responsible. Many significant movements have been the direct result of such Mobilization techniques.

Therefore, it is the most essential that Human Rights Groups in Bangladesh prioritize the mobilization and efficient utilization of their own resources to achieve their objectives. Then they will be able to build a better and more equitable society for all the people of Bangladesh.