ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to explore how mobile communication can facilitate the transition of an online social movement to an offline one in a region with low socio-economic status and limited access to Information and Communication Technologies. It also attempts to contribute to the growing literature on the role of mobile communication in the mobilization and organization of social movements in the Global South. To do so, this qualitative study explores the Shahbag movement in Bangladesh. The movement was initiated by some online activists demanding capital punishment for war criminals of the country’s Liberation War in 1971. Through the lens of new social movement theories, this study concludes that while mobile communication played a significant role in initiating the movement, achieving its goals required support from traditional communication tools. The study further finds that the integration of traditional mobilization tools and mobile communication strengthens mobilization actions, defines the organizational structure, and assigns new significance to mobile communication. The findings provide empirical evidence to support the argument that mobile communication can contribute to the success of a short-term, goal-oriented movement in a country with limited socio-economic status and access to ICTs.
