In recent years, with advancement of information technology, video content creation and vlogging have become a popular trend. Thousands of youth, along with individuals of all ages, have chosen content creation or vlogging as their profession.

Alongside local creators, many foreign content creators have also come to Bangladesh to make videos or vlogs. 

However, their failure to follow instructions from the police and relevant authorities, and their disregard for travel guidelines by filming content indiscriminately, has led to various unpleasant situations. Moreover, the careless or fraudulent behaviour of a few individuals is being shared as video content, which negatively affects the overall image of the country.

Recently, two such incidents near Dhaka’s railway stations have raised concerns within the police. According to police sources, on the afternoon of August 9, a Chinese national lost his mobile phone while filming a vlog on the roof of a train bound for Chattogram from Kamalapur Railway Station. Earlier, on August 1, another Chinese national filed a complaint alleging that someone had stolen his mobile phone while filming near the station area.

Police say some foreigners, especially Chinese nationals, are causing concern at railway stations by climbing onto moving train roofs to film content, risking safety and operations. They are often joined by vagrant teens, some drug addicts, making the risks even more serious.

A source from the Airport Railway Station police outpost said on Monday (August 11) that for six months several Chinese nationals have been entering the Airport Railway Station separately to shoot videos. Obsessed with content creation, they evade law enforcement and climb onto train roofs. Sometimes they board a train from Kamalapur Station, film content on the roof during the journey, and then get off at the Airport Station, often accompanied by vagrants or street children.

According to Railway police, officials have repeatedly requested foreigners not to film inside stations without proper permission, but the requests are ignored. Recently, a disturbing incident involving foreigners and police took place, leading to a general diary (GD) report at the police station.

The GD said that for months, some Chinese nationals roamed the Airport Station area filming videos. When questioned, they said they were ‘vlogging.’ Police warned them such activities without permission were banned. One Chinese national became agitated and disrespectful, and the incident was reported to higher authorities.

On August 1, a Chinese national filed a complaint about his mobile phone being stolen while filming near the station. Police began an investigation into the matter.

About a week later, on the afternoon of August 9, another incident occurred. A Chinese national filming on the roof of a train from Kamalapur to Chattogram lost his mobile phone near Kawla when he got off briefly. Emotional over the loss, a video of his reaction was shared on social media. Although he hasn't filed a complaint, police are investigating the matter seriously.

Sources say these two victims are not the only ones. Recently, two or three more Chinese nationals have been seen roaming around the Airport and Kamalapur railway stations with some street children. It is believed they are creating various video content involving these children.

Negligence or failure to follow rules during content creation raises fears of unfortunate incidents. If such incidents occur and spread on social media, they could portray Bangladesh negatively.

Experts say foreign content creators cannot be seen solely as creators. For the safety of themselves and the country, these creators or vloggers should be kept within rules and regulations. The government should soon issue guidelines specifically for foreign vloggers and content creators.

Over 300 criminals arrested in recent months

Railway police in Kamalapur and Dhaka stations say they are working around the clock. At Airport Railway Station, mobile vendors have been banned, illegal shops cleared, and hundreds of criminals—including snatchers, pickpockets, drug dealers, addicts, and rowdies—have been arrested and jailed in recent months.

Dhaka Railway Police OC Zainal Abedin told Banglanews they are working day and night to ensure passenger safety. Over 300 criminals involved in drug dealing, snatching, and rowdyism have been arrested and sent to court. Illegal vendors and shops inside stations have also been cleared.

He said that the police are concerned about the activities of Chinese nationals in recent months. Their unrestricted movement inside stations and on train roofs has raised concerns for their own safety. Reports indicate that mobile phones of Chinese nationals are being stolen. Although no direct complaints have been received, police have initiated investigations after seeing such news on social media.

“We have informed our senior officers about foreigners entering stations without permission and filming content on train roofs. They are discussing the matter at higher levels. However, foreign nationals are being escorted out of stations with as much security and caution as possible,” the OC said.

Foreigners should follow local travel guidelines

Sociologist and criminologist Associate Professor Tauhidul Haque of Dhaka University said while foreigners face complaints of harassment and theft, they must follow local rules and etiquette. Often roaming alone in risky areas and filming TikTok or videos, they become targets for criminals seeking money and valuables.

He said foreigners with permission to interact with locals should be accompanied by their sponsoring organisation’s representatives. Tourists exploring local life must get police permission and film under police supervision to prevent theft, snatching, or worse incidents.

He said some foreigners are mingling with criminals and creating harmful content shared with hostile forces, threatening national security. Foreign visitors must follow strict protocols with law enforcement, and the government should issue guidelines. Legal action should be taken if harmful content is produced with locals, in coordination with their home countries.

Government guidelines are necessary in this regard. If needed, the ministries of tourism and foreign affairs should jointly decide the travel and conduct guidelines for foreigners, he added in the end.