Listen to the article
Political Disinformation Surges 30% in Bangladesh as AI Fuels False Content
False and misleading information in Bangladesh rose by 30 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, with political narratives dominating the landscape and artificial intelligence playing an increasingly significant role in spreading disinformation.
According to an analysis by fact-checking organization Dismislab, which examined more than 4,000 fact-check reports published throughout 2025, approximately two-thirds of all fact-checks involved political content. Half of the falsehoods spread through video formats, while one in ten cases involved AI-generated content.
Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emerged as the primary target of misinformation, with her name appearing in 274 fact-check headlines. Much of this content repurposed old videos, photographs, and statements as recent material, while other falsehoods promoted rumors of her imminent return to power.
Muhammad Yunus, the interim government’s chief adviser, ranked second with 150 fact-check headlines. Disinformation campaigns against him typically portrayed his administration as unstable and illegitimate, with recurring false claims about his resignation or alleged military ultimatums.
Other prominent political figures frequently targeted included slain Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman, and National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah. International figures like U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appeared in the top ten list of individuals most frequently mentioned in fact-checked content.
The escalating role of artificial intelligence in creating misleading content marked a troubling trend. Approximately 10 percent of all fact-checked misinformation—417 distinct cases—involved AI-generated material across diverse topics including politics, natural disasters, and international conflicts.
Political misinformation spiked dramatically in late 2025 as the country approached elections. While fact-checkers typically addressed around 200 pieces of political misinformation monthly throughout the year, December saw that number surge to 408—more than double the average.
“The increasing sophistication of AI-generated content presents new challenges for fact-checkers,” said a media analyst who studies disinformation trends in South Asia. “When artificial intelligence can create convincing fake videos or images of political figures, it becomes increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish truth from fiction.”
One striking example occurred on December 25, when multiple AI-generated images circulated claiming to show BNP chairman Tarique Rahman returning to Bangladesh, depicting him at the airport with family members or stepping off a plane. Similarly, AI-generated videos purportedly showed Sheikh Hasina delivering speeches in the Indian parliament, while fabricated images portrayed students holding pro-Hasina placards.
The intensity of political misinformation intensified in the final quarter of 2025, driven by student union elections at public universities and growing speculation about the national parliamentary election. The assassination of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s illness and subsequent death further fueled the spread of false information in December.
Following the announcement of parliamentary election and referendum dates, fact-checkers identified at least 55 instances of election-related misinformation within a single month, focusing primarily on fabricated political alliances and survey results.
Beyond politics, fact-checkers observed a persistent pattern of content designed to spread fear and anxiety about Bangladesh’s security situation. Analysis revealed at least 90 fact-check reports with headlines related to rape, more than 100 focused on murders or killings, and 45 involving cases of abuse or torture.
Religious misinformation also remained prevalent, with false claims about attacks on or persecution of Hindus and other minority communities circulating throughout the year.
The medium of disinformation evolved significantly, with videos becoming the dominant format. Nearly 52 percent of all false information spread through video content, including repurposed old footage and AI-created clips. Graphic cards, often containing fabricated quotations from political leaders or government officials, accounted for 21 percent of fact-checked misinformation.
Media impersonation emerged as another significant concern, with 74 percent of false content being disseminated by entities mimicking established news outlets, further complicating the public’s ability to identify reliable information sources.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
13 Comments
The rise in political misinformation in Bangladesh is a troubling development. It’s critical that citizens have access to accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions. Fact-checking organizations and media literacy initiatives will play a vital role in combating the spread of false narratives.
Absolutely. Disinformation can have serious consequences for the political and social fabric of a country. Concerted efforts by the government, civil society, and tech companies are necessary to address this challenge effectively.
The rise in political misinformation in Bangladesh is quite concerning. It’s important that citizens have access to factual, reliable information to make informed decisions. Fact-checking organizations play a crucial role in combating the spread of false narratives.
Agreed. The use of AI to generate disinformation is particularly worrying, as it can be difficult to detect. Strengthening media literacy and digital fact-checking skills will be key to addressing this challenge.
This data on the rise of misinformation in Bangladesh highlights the need for robust fact-checking and media literacy initiatives. Combating the spread of false and misleading information should be a top priority for the government and civil society.
The use of AI to generate disinformation is a worrying trend that requires urgent attention. Policymakers and tech companies must work together to develop robust strategies to detect and mitigate the impact of these AI-driven falsehoods. Investing in digital forensics and fact-checking tools will be crucial in this effort.
The targeting of prominent political figures like the former Prime Minister and interim adviser is a concerning tactic. Disinformation campaigns can undermine public trust and the democratic process. Fact-based reporting and transparency are essential to counter these efforts and ensure citizens have access to reliable information.
Agreed. Strengthening media literacy and digital fact-checking skills among the public will also be key in helping people identify and resist the spread of false narratives. This is a complex challenge that requires a multi-stakeholder approach.
The targeting of prominent political figures like the former Prime Minister and interim adviser is a troubling tactic. Disinformation campaigns can undermine public trust and the democratic process. Fact-based reporting and transparency are vital to counter these efforts.
Absolutely. It’s critical that the public has access to objective information from credible sources, rather than being bombarded with manipulated content and false narratives. This is a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach.
The data on the targeting of political figures like the former Prime Minister and interim adviser is concerning. Disinformation campaigns can undermine democratic processes and erode public trust. Strengthening media literacy and fact-checking efforts are key to addressing this issue.
The increasing role of AI in generating disinformation is a worrying trend. It’s crucial that policymakers and tech companies work together to develop effective strategies to detect and mitigate the impact of AI-driven falsehoods.
Agreed. Collaboration between various stakeholders, including media outlets, fact-checkers, and digital platforms, will be essential in addressing this challenge. Investing in digital forensics and other advanced tools can also help identify and counter AI-generated content.