‘This Is New Delhi’: Why Are Chinese Vloggers Passing Off Dhaka Slums As India?

A report by Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo alleges that Chinese nationals have been filming videos in Dhaka's slum neighbourhoods for months and presenting the locations as New Delhi during livestreams on Chinese social media platforms. The videos reportedly portray residents as poor and their surroundings as dirty and unhygienic. The activity has been reported in Sector 12 of Uttara and the adjoining Tekpara area, where residents estimate that over 150 Chinese nationals have been recording footage. Some reportedly enter homes and film without residents' consent, raising concerns over privacy and intrusion. While one Chinese national said the livestreams promote products, a local guide said videos are also monetised on platforms such as Douyin.