The volume of fact-checking reports addressing misinformation in Bangladesh surged by 58% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to a recent report by dismislab. The report identifies misinformation trends in 2024, highlighting people, countries, organisation and key narratives.
Individuals targeted by misinformation in 2024
Dismislab conducted an analysis of the titles of fact-check reports to identify the individuals most frequently targeted by misinformation in 2024. The findings revealed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amidst the July revolution, was the most frequently targeted figure. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who took on the role of chief advisor to the interim government after Hasina’s ouster, was the second most targeted individual. The disinformation campaign against Dr. Yunus primarily gained momentum after August 5, coinciding with the political changeover.
Following Sheikh Hasina and Dr. Yunus, Bangladeshi cricketer Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal became common subjects of misinformation. Shakib, who joined the Awami League before the 2024 national elections and won a seat, was the focus of false reports and claims throughout the year. The rivalry between Shakib and Tamim, both of whom have large followings among cricket fans, fueled the spread of misinformation. False quotes were frequently attributed to them, and their photos and videos were often edited and used in gambling advertisements.
After the August 5 political changeover, the focus shifted to various advisors of the interim government and leaders of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD). Three student leaders who took on advisory roles in the interim government—Asif Mahmud, Nahid Islam, and Mahfuj Alam—became frequent targets of misinformation. False quotes were attributed to them, and there were attempts to portray them as members of Islamic militant organizations. Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah, two prominent figures within the student movement, were also subjects of misinformation. In some cases, fake social media accounts created in Sarjis’s name spread false information, even reaching mainstream media outlets.
