Rumor Scanner, a fact-checking organization in Bangladesh, has identified 1,380 instances of misinformation on social media and in the mainstream media in the first six months of 2024. This marks a nearly 61% increase compared to the same period last year. The surge in misinformation has been attributed to the parliamentary election, various political events, and domestic and international sports tournaments during this period.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been the most targeted individual, suffering the highest number of misinformation attacks. The 12th National Parliamentary Election, held in January, was a focal point for spreading false information.
Among political parties, the ruling Awami League faced the most misinformation, with Rumor Scanner identifying 216 false claims related to the party, its affiliated organizations, and its members over six months. This figure is more than double the misinformation spread about other political parties.
Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina was the subject of 94 false claims, with 81 of these being politically motivated. Every month from January to June saw multiple false claims about her, with January seeing the highest number (29) due to the national election.
