Rumor Scanner, a Bangladeshi fact-checking organization, identified 311 instances of misinformation circulating online during June of this year. This number was calculated from fact-checks published on Rumor Scanner’s website last June. Among these, political issues accounted for the largest share, with 115 instances (40% of the total misinformation). Additionally, 85 instances of misinformation were identified concerning international affairs, 45 regarding national issues, 18 on entertainment and literature, 10 on fraud, 5 on sports, 7 on religious matters, and 3 on education in June.
Video-centric misinformation was the most prevalent, with 153 instances. Furthermore, text-centric misinformation accounted for 110 instances, and image-centric misinformation for 48. Of the identified misinformation, 209 instances were classified as false, 64 as distorted, and 38 as misleading.
Facebook was the platform where most misinformation spread last month, with 303 instances. Evidence also suggests that 66 instances spread on Instagram, 68 on YouTube, 19 on X (formerly Twitter), 23 on TikTok, and at least one on LinkedIn. Even domestic media outlets were not exempt from spreading misinformation; Rumor Scanner observed misinformation being propagated through multiple national media in 10 instances.
The spread of communal disinformation centered on Bangladesh has been a topic of discussion for several months, but it has recently seen a slight decrease. Rumor Scanner identified seven instances of communal disinformation in June. Among these, evidence suggests that six instances were spread through social media accounts and pages identified as Indian.
Rumor Scanner’s team observations reveal that three pieces of misinformation targeting the current interim government were circulated last month. To understand the nature of this misinformation, Rumor Scanner divided it into two categories: positive (if it favored the government) and negative (if it opposed the government). Rumor Scanner found that all of these instances negatively portrayed the government.
In June, 17 instances of misinformation were spread concerning Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government, all of which portrayed him negatively. Among other government advisors, three instances (all negative) targeted Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, three (all negative) targeted Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, one (negative) targeted Syeda Rizwana Hasan, one (negative) targeted Farida Akther, and two (all negative) targeted Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary.
Discussions about the 13th National Parliament Election are ongoing everywhere. Last month, Rumor Scanner observed 29 instances of disinformation related to this election.
Analyzing last month’s fact-checks, Rumor Scanner observed that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), its affiliated organizations, and its leaders were targeted by the most disinformation (49 instances) during this period. Among these, 16 instances specifically targeted BNP as a party, all of which created an opportunity to foster a negative perception of the party. During this time, one instance (negative) targeted the party’s chairperson, Khaleda Zia; four instances (all negative) targeted acting chairman Tarique Rahman; and one instance (negative) targeted general secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. One instance (negative) also targeted the party’s student organization, Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatradal.
Following the BNP, the now-banned Bangladesh Awami League, its affiliated and fraternal organizations, and its leaders were targeted by the most disinformation (24 instances). Among these, six instances specifically targeted the Awami League as a party, 83% of which created an opportunity to foster a positive perception of the party. Evidence suggests that 11 instances (82% positive) of disinformation targeted the party’s president, Sheikh Hasina. Additionally, one instance (positive) of disinformation targeting the party’s student organization, the Bangladesh Chhatra League (which has been banned), was identified in June.
Furthermore, in June, 15 instances of disinformation targeted Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, its affiliated organizations, and its leaders. Among these, six instances specifically targeted Jamaat as a party, all of which created an opportunity to foster a negative perception of the party. Evidence suggests that two instances (50% negative) targeted the party’s Amir, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, during this period. Four instances (all negative) also targeted the party’s student organization, Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir.
Eighteen instances of disinformation were identified last month concerning the National Citizen Party (NCP) and its leaders. Among these, five instances specifically targeted the NCP as a party, all of which created an opportunity to foster a negative perception of the party. Last month, one instance (negative) of disinformation targeted the party’s convener, Nahid Islam. Additionally, disinformation was observed targeting the party’s leaders Hasnat Abdullah (two instances, all negative), Sarjis Alam (four instances, all negative), Tasnim Jara (two instances, all negative), Nusrat Tabassum (one instance, negative), Tajnuva Jabeen (one instance, negative), and Sarwar Tusher (two instances, all negative).
Even state forces were not spared from the onslaught of misinformation. Last month, Rumor Scanner observed five instances of misinformation targeting the Bangladesh Army, including four targeting the Chief of Army Staff, General Wakar-Uz-Zaman. Furthermore, Rumor Scanner identified four instances of misinformation targeting the Bangladesh Police, including one targeting former IGP Moinul Islam, and one instance targeting RAB.
Analyzing the misinformation from last month, Rumor Scanner found that 41 instances of fake content were created using artificial intelligence. During the same period, five deepfake videos were identified.
On June 13, the conflict between Iran and Israel began with Israel launching air and missile strikes on various locations, including significant nuclear facilities in Iran. After 12 days of attacks, counter-responses, and threats, news of a ceasefire emerged. Numerous instances of misinformation, including old photos and videos of unrelated incidents, spread across social media and various internet platforms concerning this event. Artificial intelligence technology was also used to create fake photos and videos. Rumor Scanner identified 75 instances of such misinformation related to these events last month.
Last month, in 52 instances, 52 pieces of misinformation were spread by misusing the names, logos, headlines, and fake photocards of 27 domestic and foreign news outlets. Among these methods, the name of the mainstream media outlet Kalbela was used most frequently (7 times) to spread misinformation. After Kalbela, Ekattor TV, Kaler Kantho, and Ittefaq were used more often (four times each).
Issued by
Tanvir Mahatab Abir
Senior Fact Checker,
Rumor Scanner Bangladesh
[email protected]
