In April this year, Bangladesh-based fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner identified 428 pieces of misinformation circulating online. Fact-checks on these were published through 351 reports on the Rumor Scanner website.
Analysis shows that political topics accounted for the highest number (283) of disinformation cases in April, representing approximately 66% of the total. Additionally, 41 cases were related to national issues, 48 to international affairs, 15 to sports, 5 to religion, 7 to entertainment, 22 to education, and 2 to fraud.
Among these, text-based misinformation was the most common (176 cases), followed by video-based (128) and image-based (124). Of the identified cases, 333 were classified as false, 49 as distorted, and 46 as misleading.
Rumor Scanner’s analysis also found that 251 cases of misinformation involved men, while 172 involved women.
By age group, among men: 2 cases involved children, 73 youth, 58 middle-aged individuals, and 118 elderly individuals. Among women: 3 cases involved children, 64 youth, 72 middle-aged individuals, and 33 elderly individuals.
In terms of platforms, Facebook had the highest number of misinformation cases (366). Other platforms included Instagram (99), YouTube (52), X (17), TikTok (106), and Threads (at least 25). Mainstream media in Bangladesh were also involved, with misinformation identified in 27 cases across multiple outlets. In two cases, Indian media were found to have spread disinformation about Bangladesh.
Communal propaganda centered on Bangladesh has been a concern in recent months. In April, Rumor Scanner identified five such cases, three of which were traced to India-based accounts or pages.
Regarding political actors, 74 disinformation cases were linked to the BNP-led government, about 92% of which portrayed the government negatively. There were also 31 cases involving Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, about 84% of which were negative. Additionally, 43 cases involved members of the BNP cabinet. Among them, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon were each targeted in 7 cases, all negatively framed.
Among political parties, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), its affiliated organizations, and members were linked to 81 cases of disinformation. Of these, 24 involved the party itself, with approximately 96% carrying negative framing. Additionally, 10 cases involved Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and 4 involved Jubo Dal.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, its affiliates, and members were linked to 67 cases. Of these, 18 involved the party itself, with about 78% negatively framed. Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman was mentioned in 16 cases (all negative), and 6 cases involved Islami Chhatra Shibir.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) and its members were linked to 48 cases. Of these, 2 involved the party itself (both negative), and 4 involved its convener Nahid Islam (about 75% negative).
Despite being banned from activities, Bangladesh Awami League, its affiliated organizations, and members were linked to 112 cases. Of these, 37 involved the party itself, approximately 92% of which created a positive framing. Party president Sheikh Hasina was involved in 31 cases, about 93% of which were positively framed.
Additionally, Rumor Scanner identified 4 misinformation cases involving the Bangladesh Army and 5 involving the Bangladesh Police.
The analysis also found 93 cases of AI-generated fake content, including 4 deepfake instances.
In April, misinformation was linked to 7 major issues: Iran–Israel conflict (32 cases), energy crisis (21), Pohela Boishakh (7), Bibi Souda arrest (17), Rooppur nuclear plant uranium use (7), measles (2), and alleged question leaks (14).
There has been a slight decline in the use of fake media branding (names, logos, headlines, and fabricated photocards). In April, 44 such cases were identified involving 14 domestic and international media outlets.
Issued by
Tanvir Mahatab Abir
Senior Fact Checker,
Rumor Scanner Bangladesh