Staff Reporter :
The independent fact-checking organisation Rumor Scanner has identified 49 Indian media outlets responsible for spreading at least 13 false reports about Bangladesh between 12 August and 5 December.
According to the report, published on 6 December, these outlets disseminated misinformation primarily targeting the political and social situation in Bangladesh, particularly after the fall of the Awami League government.
Among the media outlets implicated, Republic Bangla led the list with five fabricated stories, followed by Hindustan Times, Zee News, and Live Mint, each spreading three fake reports.
Additionally, outlets such as Republic, India Today, ABP Anand, and Aaj Tak published two misleading stories each. Forty-one other outlets shared one false report each.
Other examples included baseless reports of arms smuggling into Bangladesh via a Pakistani ship, claims of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus being hospitalized in the ICU, and a fabricated story alleging he fled to France after Donald Trump’s victory.
These false reports have the potential to fuel misunderstandings and tensions between communities and nations. Rumor Scanner urged greater accountability in news dissemination and called for Indian media to exercise responsibility in their reporting.
The spread of fake news has been a growing concern globally, especially in politically sensitive regions. This investigation underscores the need for cross-border fact-checking initiatives and stringent measures to counter misinformation.
The complete report and list of implicated outlets can be found on the Rumor Scanner website.
