The government has shut down 25 YouTube channels, 10 online news portals and 60 Facebook accounts on allegations of spreading rumours, said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Md Javed Patwary.
He made the announcement on Wednesday (Jul 24) while briefing the media at the police headquarters.
The IGP said that so far eight innocent people across the country have fallen victims to mob lynching.
“Even those who have been injured by mob beatings are not child abductors. So far 31 cases have been filed over these incidents and 103 people arrested,” he said.
Responding to queries on the rumours about Padma Bridgem he said that a vested quarter had been involved with spreading the rumours.
The IGP also said all officer-in-charge of police stations across Bangladesh have been directed to raise awareness against these rumours.
“From tomorrow (Thursday), a week-long awareness campaign against spreading rumours will begin across the country,” he informed.
He called on everyone to not take the law in their hands and call 999 or seek police help if they suspect someone to be child lifters or any suspicious activities.