Economy
Anti-State Spreading Rumors Fabricated Stories Raises Defamation Controversy
Recent days have witnessed a resurgence of cyber criminals ahead of the upcoming twelfth national parliamentary elections. Several individuals and organizations, claiming to be foreign journalists, have been spreading rumors and gossip against key figures and institutions of the government through various social media platforms. They have been persistently demanding money from various organizations and individuals for an extended period. Failure to comply with their demands initiates a campaign of defamation. This cycle of defamation has targeted significant individuals and institutions in the country, ranging from the President and Prime Minister to the stock market regulator and Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). This cycle of propaganda has targeted various important individuals and institutions in the government, including the President, Prime Minister, Information Minister, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Chief of Army Staff, former intelligence agency personnel, prominent businessmen, and industrialists, creating fabricated stories and spreading them through social media.
This pattern of defamation has now resurfaced with the emergence of new online-based entities involved in spreading false information under the guise of a self-proclaimed national institution. Despite the existence of well-known entities engaged in spreading misinformation, such as Nagorik TV and Corruption in Media, several new deceptive organizations are now surfacing. In the past few days, an organization called “Organized Crime and Reporting Project” has been soliciting sensitive information from highly important government offices via email. Furthermore, the country’s intelligence agency has recently identified 15 Bangladeshi cyber terrorists operating in different countries. The list of these terrorists is currently being updated. These revelations are based on credible sources.
According to sources, following Nagorik TV and Corruption in Media, new social media pages and channels under various names, including Organized Crime and Reporting Projects, are actively engaging in defamation campaigns against important national institutions and offices. Several individuals, including Mustafizur Rahman, also known as Tito Rahman, Nazmus Sakib, Jawad Nirjhor, and Zulkarnain, are spreading various gossip and rumors against key figures and organizations of the government. Their defamation campaigns have not spared prominent business groups, government officials, important government departments, and even journalists. Despite some legal action being taken against these defamatory individuals and organizations, their activities yet continue.
Recently, a high-ranking government official from a significant government department sent an email to Orthosongbad, stating that our department has requested highly sensitive information through email. At the same time, they requested comments and information related to fabricated and misleading allegations against me personally. As I hold a responsible position in a crucial government department, I believe their hidden agenda is to tarnish my reputation socially. Since they are spreading fictional stories and engaging in defamation campaigns against not only the President and Prime Minister but also officials from various important government departments, I consider this as part of their malicious defamation strategy. I have come to know that they are targeting government officials from various departments in their defamation campaigns, using social media to destabilize the country.
Despite multiple attempts, it has been found that Zulkarnain Saer, a member of the Organized Crime and Reporting Projects, could not be traced.
It has been learned that a recent case has been filed in Rangpur against Mostafizur Rahman, also known as Tito Rahman, and Nazmus Sakib, who are associated with Nagorik TV based on YouTube. At least ten other individuals have also been identified as unknown defendants in the case. The Rangpur CID Police Superintendent has directed the CID for further investigation into the case. In addition, Jawad Nirjhor of Corruption in Media is facing a case under the Digital Security Act for posting offensive, false, fabricated, and defamatory information on a Facebook page. Another case was filed last year by a female journalist named Sajeda Aktar. Elias Hossain, known for spreading defamation from abroad, is facing multiple cases as well. Recently, a case was filed against Banaj Kumar, the head of the Police Bureau of Investigation, for engaging in online defamation.
According to sources, the cycle of defamation has resurfaced, fueled by the upcoming twelfth national parliamentary elections. Regularly, this cycle involves spreading fictional information against key figures and institutions of the state, including the President, Prime Minister, armed forces, and the police. Recently, a content piece titled “Sheikh Hasina Can Cause the Country to Collapse” was disseminated on a YouTube-based channel operated by Nazmus Sakib and Tito Rahman, both allegedly based in Canada. Furthermore, Elias Hossain, who works for a private television channel in the country, is also engaging in defamation through his Facebook page and YouTube channel. Under the title “Sheikh Hasina Being Exiled to Saint Martin,” he is spreading false information on his YouTube channel.
It is known that the alleged journalists, in their plan to defame individuals or organizations, first disseminate templated propaganda through social media. Later, they seek sensitive information from targeted individuals through email. They also attempt to extort money from these individuals and organizations. If their demands are not met, they resort to spreading fabricated stories and defaming the targeted individuals and organizations. Similarly, these tactics of spreading misinformation are also used to defame individuals who hold political beliefs contrary to their own.
According to sources, allegations of blackmail have been raised against Sayem Sobhan Anvir, the Managing Director (MD) of Bashundhara Group, following the death of the renowned Nusrat Jahan Munia. It is reported that a phone call was made to Anvir, demanding a bribe of five crore taka (Bangladeshi currency) in a case related to Bashundhara Group. Subsequently, Nazmus Sakib and Tito Rahman are accused of exposing the alleged bribery activities of Anvir. Notably, recently, a person named Arav Khan opened a jewelry store in Dubai and subsequently faced criticism in the media, leading to allegations against Nazmus Sakib and Tito Rahman.
Sources indicate that 15 Bangladeshi cyber terrorists located in various countries have been identified by different intelligence agencies. These individuals, residing abroad, have been involved in spreading heinous defamatory content against Bangladesh. The cycle of defamation involves fabricating stories and misleading information about various state and government figures and institutions. The investigation has also revealed Nazmus Sakib’s involvement in these activities. Furthermore, the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center’s (NTMC) Cyber Taskforce (CTF) team is closely monitoring and preparing updated reports on the surveillance of anti-state defamation through social media. They are also updating the list of defamatory individuals identified through social media from foreign sources. The NTMC has provided this information to the National Security Committee meeting. The meeting, held on March 22, was chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
A screenshot has been obtained from an English newspaper publication regarding Zulkarnain Saer
It is noteworthy that there are allegations of involvement in illicit drug trafficking against Zulkarnain Saer. In addition to being accused of extortion, even though not being a member of the armed forces, he has faced allegations of harassment in the guise of a lieutenant. He was previously arrested in 2000 in connection with a theft case. Several media outlets have also published news regarding this. It is reported that Saer Khan procured mobile phones and laptops by providing a false identity as a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officer. He was arrested by RAB-1 on charges of fake checks. Born in October 1986, Saer Khan was dismissed from Cadet College during his tenure as a cadet. He became involved in criminal activities while studying at Cumilla Ispahani College. There are also allegations against him of harassing women. Since then, he has been evading his relatives and friends.
Furthermore, at the age of 17, in the year 2000, Saer Khan was caught stealing Major Wadud’s truck suit at ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations). He was also caught selling stolen goods at Chittagong New Market. Even though he was not a military personnel, he used to wear the uniform of a Second Lieutenant. However, he was apprehended by the CMH (Combined Military Hospital) Military Police. Due to an uncontrolled and volatile lifestyle, he abandoned his son and was disowned by his father, Abdul Baset, who was a military officer. Later, on July 23, 2006, he tragically died in a road accident.
Referring to the countrywide recent havoc and atrocities, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said that she had an apprehension there might be a strike like this by the BNP-Jamaat clique to pull down the country’s prosperity.
“. . . they (BNP-Jamaat) had wanted not to hold the elections, but we had arranged the elections. After election they thought it wouldn’t be accepted by all, but we’ve also made it acceptable to all and we’ve formed the government. It was an apprehension to me that there would be a strike like this,” she said.
The Premier made this remarks while exchanging views with editors, senior journalists and head of news of various media outlets, organised by Editors’ Guild at her office (PMO).
She mentioned that before and after the election in 2013-14, the BNP-Jmaat clique unleashed arson attacks and killings that left hundreds of people killed and thousands injured.
“It was little bit understandable that this (the activities and movement of the students) was a grave conspiracy,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said that she didn’t want any incident which might invite any unwanted situation that will invite instability in the country. “It was the target to destroy country’s economy,” she said.
She questioned about the understanding level of the people who supported these mayhem aiming to cripple the country’s advancement and prosperity.
Sheikh Hasina, also the chief of Awami League, said that vested quarter is highly interested to destroy country’s independence and the continuation of the democracy that is going on for long 15 years.
She again said that she never wanted to deploy army personnel in the field while the students were there for the sake of their security.
“While they (students) declared that they are not involved in the on going subversive activities then we called for army,” she said.
The premiers also said that she also didn’t want to impose curfew as the country is going through a democratic environment for 15 years.
She requested the people to resist those who have done this bane for the country. “They have destroyed all the structures have been built for their welfare and livelihood. They have struck all those structures. Who will be the worst sufferer? Of course, mass people. Now it is the responsibility of the mass people to resist these terrorism and militancy,” she said.
The premier called for creating mass awareness against the militancy that has opened in the destructive activities.”If the people don’t become aware then what could we do or how much we could do alone,” she said.
She also mentioned that the targets of the recent mayhem was Awami League, Freedom Fighters and pro-liberation forces.
The Prime Minister said that when all demands of the quota-free movement students were accepted why they gave scope to the militants for doing such heinous activities.
“One day the quota-free movement activists have to answer to the nation, why they gave such opportunity to them for this destruction to the country,” she said.
PM’s Press Secretary Md Nayeemul Islam Khan moderated the programme, while Editors’ Guild president Mozammel Huq Babu delivered welcome address.
Senior journalist Abed Khan, Bangladesh Pratidin editor Nayeem Nizam, DBC Editor-in-Chief and CEO Monzurul Islam, Bhorer Kagoj Editor and Jatiya Press Club general secretary Shyamol Dutta, Daily Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, Jatiya Press Club president Farida Yasmin, Dhaka Journal chief editor Syed Istiaque Reza, Head of News Nagorik TV Dip Azad, Amader Somoy Editor Mainul Alam, Bangladesh Journal editor Shajahan Sarder, DBC news editor Zayedul Ahsan Pintu, Ashish Saikat of Independent TV, Bangla Tribune editor Zulfiquer Russell, head of News of 71 TV Shakil Ahmed, Energy and Power Editor Mollah Amzad, Head of News of Kings News Nazmul Huq Saikat and Mamunur Rahman Khan of RTV also spoke.
Britain’s inflation rate held steady in June after returning to the Bank of England’s target the previous month, official data showed Wednesday, confounding expectations for another modest slowdown.
The Consumer Prices Index was unchanged at 2.0 percent in June from the same level in May, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement, compared with market forecasts of 1.9 percent.
“Hotel prices rose strongly, while second-hand car costs fell but by less than this time last year,” said ONS chief executive Grant Fitzner.
“However, these were offset by falling clothing prices, with widespread sales driving down their cost.
“Meanwhile, the cost of both raw materials and goods leaving factories fell on the month, though factory gate prices remain above where they were a year ago.”
Analysts said the data could cause the Bank of England to sit tight for a while longer before starting to cut interest rates.
“The chances of an interest rate cut in August have diminished a bit more,” said Paul Dales, chief UK economist at research consultancy Capital Economics.
Last month, the BoE kept its key interest rate at a 16-year high of 5.25 percent, despite slowing inflation in May.
Britain’s newly elected Labour government welcomed news that inflation remained at the BoE’s target level.
“It is welcome that inflation is at target,” said Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, in a statement.
“But we know that for families across Britain prices remain high… (which) is why this government is taking the tough decisions now to fix the foundations” of the UK economy, he said.
Labour, led by new Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has pledged immediate action to grow the economy after the centre-left party won a landslide general election victory to end 14 years of Conservative rule.
Later on Wednesday, King Charles III will read out Labour’s first programme for government in a decade and a half, when the UK parliament formally reopens following the July 4 election.
Elevated interest rates have worsened a UK cost-of-living squeeze because they increase borrowing repayments, thereby cutting disposable incomes and crimping economic activity.
The BoE began a series of rate hikes in late 2021 to combat inflation, which rose after countries emerged from Covid lockdowns and accelerated after the invasion of Ukraine by key oil and gas producer Russia.
China’s economy grew 4.7 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2024, official data showed Monday, less than analysts had expected.
“By quarter, the GDP for the first quarter increased by 5.3 percent year on year and for the second quarter 4.7 percent,” Beijing’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in a statement.
The figures were much lower than the 5.1 percent predicted by analysts polled by Bloomberg.
Retail sales — a key gauge of consumption — also slowed to just two percent in June, the NBS said, down from 3.7 percent in May.
The world’s second-largest economy is grappling with a real estate debt crisis, weakening consumption, an ageing population and trade tensions with Western rivals.
Top officials are meeting in Beijing on Monday for a key plenum, with all eyes on how they might kickstart lacklustre growth.
