Photo: Collected
Amidst the spread of rumors involving ruling party leaders, government officials and agencies, the Awami League has faced criticism for its inability to prevent such misinformation. According to Awami League web team coordinator Tonmoy Ahmed, efforts are being made to address the issue.
Additionally, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak has publicly acknowledged the failure to curb the rumors and offered an apology. The police are actively working to remove Facebook IDs that are disseminating such false information.
The anti-discrimination student movement on the quota reforms has been on the ground since the beginning of this month. However, it manifested itself on the field in a big way from the end of the second week. First the students' program was 'Bangla Blockade'. Later they announced complete shutdown program. Which at one point turns into a conflicting situation. There are many casualties. During the three to four days movement, miscreants caused widespread vandalism and arson across the country. Later the government imposed a curfew. Apart from this, the government tried to bring the situation back to normal by declaring a general holiday.
After a few days the situation improved only to be heated up again.
Rumors have proliferated across social media, particularly targeting government officials and Awami League leaders. False information has been circulated about the number of casualties in the conflict and the whereabouts of prominent figures. For example, there were rumors that Narayanganj MP Shamim Osman had left the country, despite his presence at an Awami League press conference and his son's Facebook Live refuting the claim.
This situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s information ministry and ICT Ministry in combating misinformation. Awami League leaders have expressed concern over the handling of propaganda and questioned the efficiency of their party’s propaganda department. The ongoing issue has prompted scrutiny of how well these government departments are managing the spread of false information.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak has issued a public apology for his department's failure to prevent rumors and manage the internet disruption during the quota reform movement. Speaking from his residence in Natore, Palak acknowledged the shortcomings and expressed his willingness to accept any consequences for his department’s actions. He emphasized his readiness to address any misunderstandings or dissatisfaction from the younger generation due to these issues.
Palak could not be reached for further comment on Saturday evening. Similarly, attempts to contact State Minister for Information Mohammad Ali Arafat also failed.
Tonmoy Ahmed, the Awami League web team coordinator, told The Daily Messenger that efforts are ongoing to manage and counter the spread of rumors, with the team working around the clock. He expressed frustration with the perceived inaction of the relevant ministry and urged the public to seek the truth and promote cyber awareness.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Nazmul Islam, head of the cyber crime unit within Dhaka Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit, also talked to The Daily Messenger. He noted that social media rumors often proliferate during national movements and confirmed that efforts are being made to remove fake Facebook IDs involved in spreading misinformation.
BM Mozammel Haque, the organizing secretary of the Awami League, told The Daily Messenger that BNP-Jamaat terrorists are allegedly conspiring to destabilize the country by spreading rumors on social media. He mentioned that the party has implemented various measures and campaigns to counteract misinformation and ensure the public does not fall for false rumors. When questioned about the role of the concerned ministry, he chose not to comment on the matter.
Messenger/Disha
