GD filed over fake Facebook IDs of Rizvi

Multiple fake Facebook IDs and pages using the name and photographs of BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi have prompted a general diary (GD) with police after political statements, photographs and videos were circulated through the accounts.

Rizvi’s personal assistant Mashiur Rahman filed the GD with Dhanmondi Police Station in the capital on Thursday evening and disclosed the matter in a Facebook post on Friday afternoon.

According to the GD, Rizvi does not personally operate any Facebook ID, profile or page.

As a result, any post, comment, photograph, video or political statement published through a Facebook account operated in his name should not be regarded as his personal or authorised statement, it said.

Several Facebook IDs, profiles and pages using Rizvi’s name, photographs, identity and political designation have recently come to notice, according to the GD.

One of the accounts was also found carrying a blue verification mark, which could lead members of the public to believe that it was Rizvi’s genuine and authorised account.

The GD said various statements, political opinions, photographs, videos, news reports and other content were being circulated through the accounts using Rizvi’s name.

The GD expressed concern that the accounts could potentially be used to spread misleading information in the future.

It said the circulation of fake statements or political propaganda using Rizvi’s identity could damage his personal reputation and political image.

Such activities could also confuse the public and contribute to the spread of misinformation, it added.
Describing the activities as the “misuse” of Rizvi’s name and identity, the GD requested authorities to investigate the matter seriously.

The issue is not new, as Rizvi had previously informed law enforcement agencies about Facebook IDs and profiles being operated in his name.

Multiple GDs were also filed with Paltan Police Station on earlier occasions over the same issue.