Monday, 02 February, 2026
In a striking surge of social media disinformation, fact-checking organisations have identified nearly 200 pieces of false information circulating on Facebook over the past week, with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman targeted in 29 instances—the highest for any individual political figure.
The findings, compiled by Rumour Scanner, Fact Watch, Dismislab, Bangla Fact and The Dissent, show that election-related falsehoods account for nearly half of all misinformation, amid growing concerns ahead of the 12 February parliamentary election and national referendum. BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and standing committee member Mirza Abbas were also frequent targets, while Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman and interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus were similarly misrepresented.
Analysis revealed widespread distortion of statements, fabricated photo cards, AI-generated images and deepfake videos. In one instance, a false video suggested Tarique Rahman was delivering a speech in torn shoes; verification showed the footwear was intact. Another AI-generated image falsely claimed former Narayanganj mayor Selina Hayat Ivy had joined the BNP with Rahman’s support. A deepfake video also circulated, purporting to show him launching a new Facebook page.
Election-related disinformation included fabricated claims about polling dates, victory predictions, and statements allegedly from state institutions or foreign officials. Fake media photo cards were the most prevalent format, with 57 identified last week alone, alongside AI-generated or manipulated content in at least 22 cases.
Fact-checkers warn that the volume and sophistication of such misinformation underline the urgent need for media literacy and stricter monitoring ahead of the elections, as political leaders and parties face unprecedented levels of digital distortion and manipulation.
Despite Surge of Fake News, Tarique Rahman Leads in Nationwide Survey
Despite a wave of social media disinformation targeting political leaders, a nationwide survey shows BNP chairman Tarique Rahman leading the race for Bangladesh’s next prime minister, with public confidence in the fairness and safety of the upcoming 12 February election rising sharply.
The People’s Election Pulse Survey (Round 3), conducted by Innovision Consulting between 16–27 January, interviewed 5,147 respondents across all eight divisions via phone (CATI). It found that 47.6% of voters favour Tarique Rahman, followed by Shafiqur Rahman of the Jamaat–NCP alliance at 22.5%, while 22.2% remain undecided.
Voter confidence in the electoral process has strengthened markedly. Around 72.3% trust the interim government to conduct impartial polls, 74.4% believe police and local administration will act neutrally, and 82.3% feel safe casting their ballots. Reflecting this optimism, 93.3% of respondents intend to vote.
In parliamentary seat preferences, the BNP-led alliance commands 52.8% support among decided voters, while the Jamaat–NCP alliance holds 31.0%. Approximately 13.2% declined to reveal their choice, forming a potentially decisive “floating” bloc.
The survey also reveals notable voter shifts since 2024. Around 32.9% of former Awami League supporters now back the BNP, while 13.2% have shifted toward the Jamaat–NCP camp. Gen Z voters (18–28) display strong election awareness, though turnout intention remains slightly lower at 91.6%.
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In a striking surge of social media disinformation, fact-checking organisations have identified nearly 200 pieces of false information circulating on Facebook over the past week, with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman targeted in 29 instances—the highest for any individual political figure.
The findings, compiled by Rumour Scanner, Fact Watch, Dismislab, Bangla Fact and The Dissent, show that election-related falsehoods account for nearly half of all misinformation, amid growing concerns ahead of the 12 February parliamentary election and national referendum. BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and standing committee member Mirza Abbas were also frequent targets, while Awami League president Sheikh Hasina, Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman and interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus were similarly misrepresented.
Analysis revealed widespread distortion of statements, fabricated photo cards, AI-generated images and deepfake videos. In one instance, a false video suggested Tarique Rahman was delivering a speech in torn shoes; verification showed the footwear was intact. Another AI-generated image falsely claimed former Narayanganj mayor Selina Hayat Ivy had joined the BNP with Rahman’s support. A deepfake video also circulated, purporting to show him launching a new Facebook page.
Election-related disinformation included fabricated claims about polling dates, victory predictions, and statements allegedly from state institutions or foreign officials. Fake media photo cards were the most prevalent format, with 57 identified last week alone, alongside AI-generated or manipulated content in at least 22 cases.
Fact-checkers warn that the volume and sophistication of such misinformation underline the urgent need for media literacy and stricter monitoring ahead of the elections, as political leaders and parties face unprecedented levels of digital distortion and manipulation.
Despite Surge of Fake News, Tarique Rahman Leads in Nationwide Survey
Despite a wave of social media disinformation targeting political leaders, a nationwide survey shows BNP chairman Tarique Rahman leading the race for Bangladesh’s next prime minister, with public confidence in the fairness and safety of the upcoming 12 February election rising sharply.
The People’s Election Pulse Survey (Round 3), conducted by Innovision Consulting between 16–27 January, interviewed 5,147 respondents across all eight divisions via phone (CATI). It found that 47.6% of voters favour Tarique Rahman, followed by Shafiqur Rahman of the Jamaat–NCP alliance at 22.5%, while 22.2% remain undecided.
Voter confidence in the electoral process has strengthened markedly. Around 72.3% trust the interim government to conduct impartial polls, 74.4% believe police and local administration will act neutrally, and 82.3% feel safe casting their ballots. Reflecting this optimism, 93.3% of respondents intend to vote.
In parliamentary seat preferences, the BNP-led alliance commands 52.8% support among decided voters, while the Jamaat–NCP alliance holds 31.0%. Approximately 13.2% declined to reveal their choice, forming a potentially decisive “floating” bloc.
The survey also reveals notable voter shifts since 2024. Around 32.9% of former Awami League supporters now back the BNP, while 13.2% have shifted toward the Jamaat–NCP camp. Gen Z voters (18–28) display strong election awareness, though turnout intention remains slightly lower at 91.6%.
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