Digital disinformation on the rise

The ousted Awami League and its affiliates are pursuing a two-pronged campaign of online disinformation and street-level sabotage ahead of December, prompting law enforcement and intelligence agencies to intensify surveillance across Bangladesh.

Investigators suspect that party activists are carrying out attacks on the instructions of, and with funding from, senior leaders who fled abroad following the 2024 mass uprising.

Officials also allege that coordinated online campaigns are spreading fabricated claims, manipulated videos and provocative content to create confusion and undermine public confidence.

Alongside the reported street violence, officials and fact-checking organisations have raised concerns about a surge in misleading online content.

The activity has intensified following recent announcements by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, made through various virtual and internet platforms, that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December and surrender to the court.

The Awami League’s IT cell and its supporters are accused of using the announcement to promote a coordinated digital campaign.

Investigators allege that artificial intelligence is being used to manipulate the voices and images of public figures, making them appear to deliver false or provocative statements.

Footage of previous political clashes and protests is also reportedly being recirculated as if it shows current events, creating the impression that major unrest is under way.

Fabricated graphics imitating the logos and visual designs of established news outlets are circulating on Facebook, TikTok and X. Some carry claims that the government is collapsing or that power is changing hands.

Independent fact-checking organisations, including Rumor Scanner and Dismislab, have reported an increase in politically motivated misinformation.

In the most serious recent incident, a cocktail exploded late on 10 October in Tejgaon, near the entrance to the Prime Minister’s Office on a heavily guarded road.

Police recovered fragments of the exploded device and two unexploded cocktails.

Three suspects have been arrested and placed on a two-day police remand in connection with a case filed under the Explosive Substances Act.

The first information report names activists and supporters of the banned Chhatra League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League and Awami League.

Intelligence reports also indicate that some groups may be exploiting political uncertainty by engaging in theft, mugging, robbery and murder to undermine public confidence in law and order.

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police recently arrested four people in different parts of the capital in connection with a cocktail explosion in Jatrabari.

Police said one of those arrested was the office secretary of an Awami League unit in the Bangshal area.

According to police, senior party leaders based abroad are directing cocktail attacks and bus arson in the capital.

At least six locations, including Kafrul, Jatrabari and the area in front of the Bangladesh Television building in Rampura, have reportedly witnessed such incidents recently.

Police and local administrations said most of those arrested were active members of the Awami League or its youth wing, Jubo League.

Officials said the government was adopting a zero-tolerance approach to threats to public safety.

The Home Ministry and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s special cyber wing are monitoring Facebook, TikTok and X around the clock, while steps have been initiated to block hundreds of accounts and pages suspected of spreading rumours.

Joint forces have also intensified operations in Dhaka and elsewhere to identify those suspected of planning cocktail attacks, arson and other covert activities.

Cases are being filed under stringent legal provisions where the alleged offences threaten public safety.

Authorities and cybersecurity experts have urged citizens not to react to or share sensational or provocative videos without first checking their authenticity.

They have advised people to cross-check major political and national news against reports from established media outlets.

Citizens have also been asked to report suspicious gatherings, suspected stockpiles of explosives and online posts that may indicate planned violence to law enforcement agencies.

Users are encouraged to report misleading or harmful material through the relevant social media platforms.

Analysts say security operations alone may not be enough to contain the threat, stressing that public awareness and responsible online behaviour will also be essential to preserving legal, economic and political stability in the coming weeks.

Law enforcement officials have indicated that arrests and online surveillance will continue as December approaches.