Tackling rumors ahead of elections will be increasingly challenging: Salahuddin Ahmed

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that combating misinformation and rumors will become increasingly difficult as the upcoming national election draws closer.

He made these remarks on Saturday (July 19) during a seminar held in Banani.

“There is a propaganda campaign against us regarding reform. I’m not sure whether to call it a rumor, but the truth is quite the opposite. We have always compromised and supported various legal measures that are feasible to implement, offering practical solutions. We are focused on solutions,” said Salahuddin.

He added, “Those who undermine and insult the spirit of mass uprisings are spreading various types of propaganda in Bangladesh. The end result is a dishonoring of our democratic struggle. If we allow this to continue, fascism and its role in society will prevail—and I don't think our nation wants that.”

Salahuddin noted that some of this content is being created by certain YouTubers. “In some videos, I see my image used, but my voice or statements are not included. They use photos of Mirza Fakhrul, myself, and another Mr. Mirza, but none of us are actually featured in the videos.”

“They also add misleading lines below the video thumbnails, which have no connection to the actual content. It’s as if they are playing with an entire nation. Who are their subscribers? They belong to a specific class—one that believes whatever is told to them. There’s a saying: ‘Whatever you write becomes the truth’—that seems to apply here.”

The senior BNP leader continued, “Now is the age of video. These clips are made so convincingly that people believe them. The closer we get to the election, the more fake news, deliberate misinformation, and rumors will spread using artificial intelligence. Dealing with these will become a major challenge.”

He further commented on the country’s political culture, saying, “Before August 5, we were united. Since then, all the brothers have gone their separate ways. Now we’re busy fighting among ourselves, while the ones in Delhi are sitting back comfortably.”