BSS
  16 Jan 2026, 18:33

Rumor Scanner identifies viral fake photocard targeting political sentiment

DHAKA, Jan 16, 2026 (BSS) - Fact-checking organization, Rumor Scanner, has identified and debunked a fake photocard designed to spread misinformation and sow confusion among the public. 

The organization revealed that a specific incident in Barisal, where a mobile phone was seized from a woman inside an examination hall, was intentionally manipulated.

A fabricated photocard was circulated on social media claiming the woman was a Jamaat leader arrested for theft while allegedly entering a house to campaign for the 'Daripalla' election symbol.

Rumor Scanner has officially confirmed that this photocard and its associated claims are entirely false.

According to the fact-checker, there has been a notable surge in the spread of rumors and misinformation targeting Bangladesh since last year. 

This disinformation trend has specifically aimed at the interim government, recent developments in Khagrachhari and the political parties and organizations that participated in the 2024 movement.

The investigation by Rumor Scanner found that these coordinated misinformation campaigns often originate from various Indian media outlets, social media accounts operated from India, as well as several local Facebook accounts within Bangladesh. 

To date, the fact-checking entity has successfully identified hundreds of pieces of misinformation circulating across the internet.