As Bangladesh approaches its 13th national parliamentary elections, the political landscape is becoming increasingly tense, with digital disinformation reaching dangerous levels. A surge in fake videos, deepfakes, voice cloning, and AI-manipulated images primarily targeting the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been observed on social media. BNP leaders claim that a coordinated effort is aimed at damaging their reputation, although they believe the public is not easily swayed by such propaganda. Analysts warn that the misuse of AI technologies poses serious risks to democracy and social stability.
Recent incidents include fake AI-generated videos of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman purporting to show him launching a social media initiative, and misleading claims about the BNP’s potential policies. AI-generated images also falsely implicated BNP members in meetings with India’s intelligence agency, RAW.
Reports indicate that disinformation campaigns are on the rise, with a significant percentage targeting Tarique Rahman and the BNP. In January alone, numerous instances of fake news were recorded, with a troubling trend of negative portrayals relative to the party’s public image.
In response to this onslaught of misinformation, BNP officials are actively participating in fact-checking and countering misleading content, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and truth. Experts warn that unchecked AI-driven disinformation could lead to escalating misunderstandings and potentially violent outcomes, undermining the democratic process.
