Md. Shamim Mia :
The 21st century is the era of information technology. The way news is produced, disseminated, and consumed has changed radically. Once, people relied on radio, television, or newspapers to access news. Today, news can be accessed instantly on smartphones. Accidents, politics, entertainment—all are instantly circulated on Facebook.
As of July 2024, Bangladesh had 68,143,600 Facebook users, accounting for approximately 38% of the national population. A 2023 UNESCO survey revealed that in 16 countries worldwide, 68% of internet users believe fake news spreads the most on social media.
The Rise of Facebook News
Since 2010, the expansion of the internet and smartphones has created new avenues for news dissemination through social media. Initially, this served as a positive tool for citizen journalism and social activism. Eyewitnesses shared photos and videos during accidents or disasters, which helped mainstream media verify information.
Transformation of the News Media: Fast, Multidimensional, but Risky News used to be institution-centered, with established processes for verification and editorial review. Today, every individual can be a news producer and distributor. Information captured on mobile devices reaches millions in an instant.
Social media algorithms prioritize sensational or controversial news, often drowning verified information. In Bangladesh, a large segment of the population relies on Facebook and YouTube for news, which has accelerated the spread of fake news, rumors, and misinformation.
Rumor Scanner Report
In the first quarter of 2025, Bangladesh saw 837 instances of fake news, a 21% increase compared to 654 incidents in the last quarter of 2024. Political news has been the most affected. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the subject of 80% of positive misinformation, while BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir faced 78% negative misinformation. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was also targeted, with 51 incidents recorded, 43% of which were negative and 27% misleading.
Interim Government and Dr. Yunus
Following the formation of the interim government led by Nobel laureate economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus in August 2024, fake news targeting him surged. In the first three months of 2025, 44 fake news items targeted the government, 93% of which were negative. Meanwhile, 51 fake news items about Dr. Yunus were circulated, 90% of them negative.
Fake News in Religion, Security, and Diplomacy
The spread of fake news related to religious issues is alarming. In the first quarter of 2025, 78 sectarian fake news items were identified, 61% of which originated from Indian social media accounts. Fake news regarding law enforcement and the military totaled 60 items, with 11 targeting Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman specifically. Furthermore, Indian mainstream media published 38 misleading reports, supplemented by 15 fake news items on Indian social media, posing challenges to Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations.
The Imperative of News Verification
Of the 837 incidents: 507 were entirely false, 226 were misleading, 102 were distorted, and 2 satirical pieces were circulated as factual. Rumor Scanner analyzed 333 texts, 163 images, and 341 videos. This highlights that fake news is no longer mere rumor—it is professionally produced and strategically disseminated.
Way Forward: Guidelines for the State and Society
Enhancing Digital Literacy: Citizens must be educated on identifying fake news, verifying sources, and avoiding misinformation. Balanced Law Enforcement: Anti-fake-news legislation is necessary but should not infringe on freedom of expression. Supporting Fact-Checking Platforms: Institutions like Rumor Scanner must receive formal support. International Collaboration: Neighboring countries should coordinate to curb cross-border misinformation. Responsible Journalism: Multidimensional verification before publishing is essential.
Bangladesh is navigating a paradox. On one hand, the country has achieved remarkable progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development; on the other, the digital landscape is rife with fake news and misinformation. Facebook-centric news is creating societal disruption, posing a threat to democracy, social cohesion, national security, and diplomatic relations. In the age of information, truth is the ultimate power. Only with informed citizens, responsible institutions, and effective policies can this crisis be addressed. Let us pledge today: truth, not fake news, will guide our path.
(The writer is a Columnist, Amdirpara Jumarbari, Saghata, [email protected])
