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Bangladesh’s leading opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has called on the Election Commission to establish a dedicated “fact-checking cell” to combat what it describes as widespread misinformation circulating on social media platforms during the current election period.
The request came during a press briefing at the party’s Gulshan office on Thursday evening, where Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the BNP’s Election Steering Committee, expressed concern over the proliferation of false information, disinformation, and character assassination attempts related to the election campaign.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented wave of misinformation across social media platforms that threatens the integrity of our electoral process,” Amin said. He emphasized the need for such a mechanism to be implemented nationwide with immediate effect to ensure voters have access to accurate information.
The BNP’s call comes amid growing concerns about the role of social media in influencing electoral outcomes in Bangladesh, where platforms like Facebook have significant reach among the voting population. Digital misinformation has become an increasingly pressing issue in the country’s political landscape, with various parties accusing each other of orchestrating online campaigns to sway public opinion.
During the briefing, Amin also addressed recent developments regarding the social media presence of key BNP figures. He confirmed that Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP chief Tarique Rahman, has received verification badges from Meta for her Facebook and Instagram accounts. “Other than these two blue-tick verified handles, she has no official social media accounts,” Amin clarified, highlighting the party’s ongoing battle against impersonation.
The spokesperson revealed that more than 50 fake accounts and pages falsely representing the BNP have been spreading confusion through sophisticated deepfake videos and AI-generated content. While many of these accounts have been removed following complaints, Amin noted that the party continues to work with Meta to address the remaining impersonators.
In a similar vein, Amin warned the public about fraudulent Facebook pages operating under the name of Zubaida Rahman, wife of Tarique Rahman. “These pages are circulating fabricated and false videos generated using AI. We want to make it clear that Dr. Zubaida Rahman has no social media account or page,” he stated, urging citizens not to be misled by these imposters.
The BNP has taken several proactive measures to enhance its electoral communication strategy. Amin announced the launch of a dedicated call center where citizens can reach out by dialing 16543 to seek information, advice, lodge complaints, or share opinions related to the election.
Additionally, the party has introduced an innovative “Match My Policy” initiative through the website www.matchmypolicy.net, designed to gather public feedback on BNP’s policy positions across various sectors. This platform allows voters to share their views and preferences, potentially helping the party refine its policy agenda based on popular sentiment.
Regarding the upcoming referendum, Amin confirmed that the BNP has formally adopted a position in favor of a “Yes” vote. He connected this stance to the party’s long-term reform agenda outlined in several published documents, including Vision 2030 (2016), the 27-point agenda (2022), and the more recent 31-point agenda (2023).
The spokesperson concluded the briefing by raising concerns about potential procedural irregularities, specifically regarding the placement of the BNP’s “Paddy Sheaf” symbol on postal ballots. According to Amin, the symbol appears to be positioned in a manner that reduces its visibility compared to those of rival parties. He also criticized what the party views as inconsistent enforcement of the electoral code of conduct by authorities.
The BNP’s concerns reflect wider tensions in Bangladesh’s political environment as the country navigates another contentious electoral cycle amid growing digital challenges and partisan divisions.
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14 Comments
The rapid spread of false narratives on social media is a growing concern worldwide. I hope the Election Commission takes this proposal seriously and implements an effective fact-checking system.
Absolutely. Proactive measures to combat disinformation are essential to preserve the credibility of elections and empower voters to make informed decisions.
As a concerned citizen, I hope the Election Commission takes this proposal seriously and works to ensure voters have access to reliable, fact-based information about the electoral process and candidates.
As a mining and commodities investor, I’m curious to see if this fact-checking unit will also address any misinformation related to the extractive industries and their role in the economy.
That’s a good point. Ensuring accurate information around the mining and energy sectors would be valuable, as these industries are often the subject of political debates.
While I appreciate the BNP’s concerns, I wonder how effective a government-run fact-checking unit would be in practice. Independence and transparency would be crucial to maintain public trust.
That’s a valid concern. The fact-checking mechanism would need robust safeguards to prevent it from being perceived as biased or politically motivated.
Establishing a fact-checking unit to address electoral misinformation is a commendable idea. Maintaining the integrity of the democratic process is crucial, and fact-based information should be a priority for voters.
I agree, misinformation can significantly undermine public trust in elections. A dedicated mechanism to verify claims and provide accurate information is a responsible step.
Establishing a fact-checking unit is a step in the right direction, but its success will depend on factors like public trust, resources, and the ability to rapidly respond to emerging misinformation.
Agreed. The unit’s credibility, efficiency, and independence will be key to its effectiveness in combating electoral misinformation.
Combating misinformation is a complex challenge, but a dedicated fact-checking unit could be a valuable step. I hope the Election Commission carefully considers this proposal and its potential implementation.
Fact-checking is essential, but it’s also important to address the root causes of misinformation, such as social media algorithms and echo chambers. A holistic approach may be more effective.
That’s a good point. Tackling the systemic issues that amplify the spread of false narratives would be crucial for long-term solutions.