Scandals expose the limits of party discipline
A series of sexual misconduct allegations involving political figures has exposed persistent gaps in accountability within Bangladesh’s political parties, while the growing use of AI-generated and manipulated content is making it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine evidence from fabricated material.
Recent cases have included allegations of sexual harassment and rape, as well as the circulation of intimate videos and recordings involving politicians.
While genuine allegations have sometimes led to disciplinary action, some political figures have also dismissed incriminating material as deepfakes, raising concerns over the misuse of technology both to conceal misconduct and damage reputations.
In late July, a controversy involving BNP State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad emerged after an intimate video circulated on social media.
A woman identified as Rahemin Maria Elin said at a press conference on 31 July that a photograph of her had been digitally manipulated and her face superimposed on the video.
Azad described the footage as an AI-generated deepfake. However, according to the supplied material, subsequent fact-checking found the video to be genuine.
Despite this, BNP took no organisational action against him, drawing criticism from some senior party figures who argued that disciplinary measures were necessary to protect the party’s image.
Earlier, a video of Jamaat-e-Islami Satkhira-4 constituency MP Gazi Nazrul Islam’s moral lapse had gone viral. Although supporters initially claimed the footage was AI-generated, Nazrul later said he had married the woman.
Amid mounting criticism, Jamaat expelled him on 22 July under Article 62 of its constitution over serious allegations of moral misconduct.
The party also wrote to the parliamentary Speaker and Chief Election Commissioner seeking action against him.
The controversies are part of a longer history of sexual misconduct allegations involving political figures.
In April 2021, Hefazat-e-Islam leader Mamunul Haque became embroiled in the Sonargaon resort controversy after being found with a woman whom he identified as his second wife.
Following a leaked conversation with his first wife, the woman filed a case alleging an immoral relationship under the pretext of marriage. Police arrested Mamunul, while Hefazat subsequently removed him from organisational responsibilities.
In December 2021, then state minister for information and broadcasting Murad Hasan faced intense criticism after an objectionable telephone conversation involving actress Mahiya Mahi was leaked. He resigned on 7 December and was later expelled from the Awami League.
Newer political organisations have also faced allegations. Between May and July 2025, NCP central member Neela Israfil accused joint member secretary Sarwar Tushar of sexual harassment, psychological abuse and improper pressure.
Tushar denied the allegations and described them as a political conspiracy. Citing a lack of satisfactory internal action and security concerns, Israfil resigned from the party in late July 2025.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said to the New Nation that political controversies were inevitable but argued that moral misconduct by elected representatives could damage the credibility of an entire organisation.
Former IGP and MP Nur Mohammad said political parties should have “no leeway” on proven moral misconduct and called for prompt organisational action, including expulsion where allegations are established.
Jamaat Central Majlis-e-Shura member Dr Md Iqbal Hossain Bhuiya said an ideological political organisation could suffer serious reputational damage from the personal misconduct of its leaders. He proposed an independent monitoring and information cell to address questions surrounding leaders’ conduct, external influence and potential “honey traps”.
The recent cases present political parties with a dual challenge: ensuring that genuine allegations of sexual misconduct are properly investigated and punished, while preventing AI-generated or manipulated material from being used to falsely implicate individuals.
The growing availability of deepfake technology has therefore added a new dimension to political scandals. Genuine allegations can potentially be dismissed as fabricated, while manipulated material can be used for character assassination.
For political parties, the central challenge remains establishing credible mechanisms to verify allegations, protect victims and ensure that proven misconduct carries appropriate legal and organisational consequences.
