Curb post-poll misinformation

Since the February 12 election, post-poll violence in various parts of the country has been reported in the media. While such incidents are not unprecedented in our country’s political history, the rapid spread of disinformation and misinformation online raises serious concerns. An analysis by Dismislab, a fact-checking organisation, has shown that rival camps have circulated false claims, recycled videos, and misleading narratives to inflame tensions and implicate political opponents. Before the election, disinformation was deliberately spread to influence the election results, and now both misinformation and disinformation continue to circulate online.

According to Dismislab, multiple misleading claims alleged that activists and supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami were attacked by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In other cases, claims were made that Jamaat itself had carried out attacks or was directly involved in clashes. Fact-checkers documented at least 13 instances of false claims related to post-election violence or protests on February 13 and 14. Old videos were recirculated with new captions. A month-old clip was falsely linked to alleged arson over voting for Jamaat. A seven-year-old video was presented as evidence of post-election reprisals by BNP at Dhaka University. Other unrelated footage was shared to suggest retaliatory marches by Shibir that never occurred. Such false claims on social media deepen mistrust, provoke outrage, and serve only political agendas.

Encouragingly, after this election, both the winning and opposition parties have shown a restrained response, which is unprecedented in our recent political history. The BNP, despite securing a two-thirds majority, has shown commendable courtesy and expressed its willingness to work with the opposition. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s recent visit with Jamaat and National Citizen Party chiefs signals a possible shift in the country’s political culture.

While opposition parties may have grievances, these must be pursued through lawful and institutional channels, demonstrating political maturity. Any crime or act of violence should be addressed promptly and in accordance with the law. At the same time, vigilance is needed to protect minority communities, who have historically been vulnerable after elections. Protecting them from harm requires political commitment not only from the party forming the next government but also from the opposition. All political actors must send an unequivocal message that violence, intimidation, or misinformation will not be tolerated.

  As the newly elected government is formally sworn in today, a pledge to shun the spread of misinformation, disinformation, or any attempts to disrupt the democratic transition must be made. Restraint, accountability, and truth must guide the nation to strengthen democracy and ensure stability.