Disinformation narratives intensify as Feb 12 election nears: Dismislab

Election-related misinformation is evolving in form and focus as the February 12 polls draw closer, with online narratives increasingly centring on campaign activities, nomination papers, electoral alliances and seat-sharing arrangements, even as the overall volume of false content continues to rise.

According to a Dismislab analysis of election-related fact-checks, misinformation trends have shifted from earlier narratives dominated by fake attributions and false nomination claims to more complex disinformation involving alliances, campaign activities and surveys, alongside a growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

The analysis shows that between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026, a total of 89 distinct election-related misinformation items were identified, up from 63 in the previous month -- an increase of more than 41 percent. During the same four-week period, election-related fact-checks rose sharply from 10 in the first week to 31 in the final week, marking more than a threefold increase in detected misinformation.

Some misinformation items, falsely attributed to top government figures, sought to cast doubt on whether the election would take place as scheduled, further fuelling public uncertainty. One such claim attributed to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus stated, “There will be no election in Bangladesh on February 12,” and alleged that he intended to remain in power for five years. Another claim falsely quoted Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah as announcing a suspension of the election. Fact-check reports found both claims to be false.

Alliance-related misinformation

Misinformation surrounding electoral alliances featured prominently, particularly targeting the 10-party alliance (now 11-party alliance) led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. False claims circulated alleging that Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said Mamunul Haque was the only person qualified to become president or prime minister. Other claims falsely suggested that Mamunul had been relieved of all positions within Hefazat-e-Islam to facilitate his joining the alliance. Fact-checkers found these claims to be false.

Since November, public discussions have continued over a possible electoral alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami. While the bloc expanded to include additional parties at various stages, it ultimately stood as a 10-party alliance after Islami Andolon Bangladesh withdrew at the final stage, before later developments again altered the number of participating parties.

[The Bangladesh Labour Party joined the Jamaat-e-Islami–led electoral alliance on January 24, bringing the 10-party front back to an 11-party alliance]

Against this backdrop, false claims circulated that National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah said he would resign if the party allied with Jamaat. Another claim falsely attributed comments to NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, suggesting he would not accept “the stigma of collaborators” by forming such an alliance. Fact-checkers found that neither leader made these statements.

The BNP-led alliance was also targeted. Fabricated claims, presented through fake photocards bearing the name of daily Amar Desh, alleged that the BNP had cancelled its seat-sharing agreement with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh. Fact-checks found that BNP made no such decision, Amar Desh published no such photocards, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam is contesting four seats under the BNP-led alliance. Other false claims alleged that Jamaat ameer sought 30 to 35 seats from BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman for a joint electoral contest.

Candidates and nomination claims

Misinformation also circulated around candidates and prospective candidates. Following the assassination of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a prospective candidate in Dhaka-8, there were claims circulating on social media that Fatima Tasnim Zuma and Shadik Kayem, both Ducsu office-bearers, intended to contest the seat. These claims were found to be false.

Other false claims alleged that the Election Commission had cancelled the nominations of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, along with 13 BNP aspirants. Another claim targeted NCP leader Sarwar Tushar, alleging discrepancies in his election affidavit regarding his profession. Fact-checkers debunked these claims.

Elsewhere, misinformation suggested that Jamaat-e-Islami nominated Islamic scholar Abrarul Haque Asif from Rajshahi-3 to attract young voters, while an old video resurfaced with false claims that the Awami League planned to contest all 300 constituencies.

Fake campaigns and AI-generated content

Old videos from other countries were also recirculated with unfounded claims presenting them as election campaign footage from Bangladesh. One such video falsely claimed to show former Awami League lawmaker Mashrafe Bin Mortaza campaigning, though verification showed the footage dated back to 2023. Another video from India was falsely portrayed as a Bangladeshi candidate distributing blankets to a farmer during a cold wave.

AI-generated content featured prominently. One video circulating on Facebook appeared to show Zubaida Rahman seeking votes for BNP while offering financial assistance on behalf of her daughter, Zaima Rahman. Fact-check reports confirmed the video was AI-generated. Another AI video falsely depicted a Bangladesh army officer seeking votes for Jamaat.

Fake attributions and surveys

Fake attributions involving political leaders and interim government advisers persisted, with at least 43 such claims identified during the one-month period. One counterfeit photocard falsely quoted Law Adviser Asif Nazrul as saying Tarique Rahman would be ineligible to contest the election due to his travel documents.

Other fabricated claims falsely suggested that BNP demanded a one-year postponement of the election following the death of Khaleda Zia, or that the party would not contest without the participation of the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned. Jamaat leaders were also falsely quoted as making controversial policy statements, including claims related to Pakistani laws and the abolition of Victory Day celebrations.

Fake survey claims were equally widespread. Some posts asserted that Sheikh Hasina had the highest chance of becoming prime minister, while another falsely claimed that “99 percent of people” believed Shafiqur Rahman would become prime minister, citing non-existent research.

Methodology

The findings are based on an analysis of fact-check reports published by nine organisations -- Rumor Scanner, BoomBD, NewsChecker, Fact Crescendo, Fact Watch, AFP Bangladesh, Ajker Patrika, Dismislab and The Dissent. Although 103 fact-check reports were published during the period, overlapping reports were consolidated, resulting in 89 unique misinformation items analysed.