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.
Bangladesh and Egypt have affirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation through regular foreign office consultations.
During a meeting between Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry on Saturday afternoon, held on the sidelines of the 15th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in Gambia, discussions were held on various matters of mutual interest. These included boosting trade and investment between the two nations and addressing the Rohingya crisis.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud proposed mutual visa exemption and expanding trade with Egypt during the meeting. The Egyptian foreign minister agreed in principle to sign an agreement on diplomatic and official visa exemption.
Additionally, the Egyptian foreign minister pledged full support for the construction of the Chancery building of the Bangladesh mission in Egypt.
Following this, Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), paid a courtesy call to Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud.
During the meeting, Al Yahya informed the Foreign Minister about the drafting of an agreement titled ‘Multilateral AI Agreement’ on the International Use of Artificial Intelligence by the member states of DCO.
Expressing sincere interest, Al Yahya accepted the invitation from the Foreign Minister to visit Bangladesh and witness the country’s progress in the field of information and communication technology. He expressed hope for expanding DCO’s cooperation with Bangladesh in this sector through the visit.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (25 April) called for speaking out against all forms of aggression and atrocities, and say ‘no’ to wars.
“We must speak out against all forms of aggression and atrocities, and say ‘no’ to wars,” she said adding that Bangladesh supports the UN Secretary General’s ‘New Agenda for Peace.
The prime minister was addressing the 80th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) held at the ESCAP Hall (2nd floor), United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) here.
She arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday on a six-day official visit to Thailand.
The PM said the pre-condition for sustainable development is lasting peace and security.
“We must settle regional disputes and tension through dialogue. Our mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain paramount,” she said.
Hasina called upon the Asia-Pacific region, especially ASEAN, to redouble their efforts to end Rohingya crisis as all efforts at regional connectivity, integration, and prosperity will continue to be marked by a missing puzzle without it.
“The origin of their crisis has been in Myanmar, and its solution also lies in Myanmar,” she declared.
“As long as that solution remains out of reach, all our efforts at regional connectivity, integration, and prosperity will continue to be marked by a missing puzzle. Let us redouble our efforts to put that puzzle back in place,” she said.
She said that in August 2017, when thousands of Rohingya men, women, and children from Myanmar fled to Bangladesh, Bangladesh offered them temporary shelter.
“With an ever growing population, this has now become one of the largest humanitarian situations in the world,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina said that In the backdrop of ongoing armed conflicts in Myanmar, the Rohingya repatriation process is also getting delayed.
“This is creating serious security risks within and beyond our territories,” she said.
She called upon the Asia-Pacific region, especially ASEAN, to play a proactive role in resolving the volatile situation in Myanmar.
“We must ensure that the Rohingya can go back home in safety and dignity at the earliest possible,” she said.
The prime minister said that the Asia-Pacific region must stand united against its common enemies of poverty and hunger.
She said Bangladesh has reduced poverty from 41.51 percent to 18.7 percent between 2006 and 2022.
It also reduced extreme poverty from 25.1 to 5.6 percent during the same period.
“We remain confident about eradicating extreme poverty by 2030,” she said.
She mentioned that Bangladesh has made notable progress on food security, with focused interventions on maternal and child nutrition.
“Our current priority is to address inequalities through income distribution, asset ownership, and social protection,” she said.
The prime minister said that Asia-Pacific region must put up a united front in tackling the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and transboundary pollution.
“We need to push for ambitious climate financing goals beyond 2025 at COP-29. We need to cooperate on cross-border water management and air quality improvement. We must all prepare for growing extreme weather events,” she said.
In this connection, she suggested looking into Bangladesh’s experience in disaster risk reduction.
“We appreciate UN-ESCAP’s support in improving our early warning capabilities,” she added.
Briefly describing various development programmes and achievements of her govebrment, the prime minister said that much of the development gains are affected by climate impacts.
“As a low-lying delta, Bangladesh has no option but to invest heavily in climate resilience,” she said.
She mentioned that Bangladesh is already recognised as a global leader in climate adaptation.
“We are happy to share our traditional and innovative solutions with other vulnerable countries,” she said.
She said that Bangladesh has urged developed and emerging economies in the region to raise their time-bound emission reduction targets.
“For economies in transition, it is important to have a just energy transition.”
In Bangladesh, she said, “we are working on long-term energy security with a sound mix of clean and renewable energy.”
“We shall continue to do our part in pursuing a circular and low-carbon economic growth pathway.”
She underscored the need for increased and easy access to financing and technology from both the public and private sectors.
“I invite UN-ESCAP to help build the capacity of climate-vulnerable countries to mobilise adequate international climate financing.”
PM Hasina said that Bangladesh now provides critical links to the Trans-Asian Highway and Railway networks.
“Our physical and digital infrastructures are being developed to foster regional trade and connectivity.”
She said Bangladesh offers access to the Bay of Bengal for land-locked territories in its neighbourhood.
“We stand ready to work together with all regional partners through mutual understanding and cooperation,” said the prime minister.
Bangladesh and Qatar signed 10 cooperation documents on Tuesday, including five agreements and five MoUs, aimed at strengthening ties and elevating relations to new heights.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing of the documents.
The five agreements cover cooperation in the legal field, promotion and protection of mutual investments, avoidance of double taxation, maritime transport, and the establishment of a Joint Business Council (JBC) between FBCCI & QCCI.
The five MoUs include cooperation in sports and youth, manpower employment (Labour), diplomatic training, education, higher education, scientific research, and between Qatar Ports management Company “MAWANI QATAR” and Chittagong Ports Authority.
Earlier in the morning, PM Hasina warmly welcomed and received Emir Sheikh Tamim at her office.
They had a tête-à-tête meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, followed by a bilateral meeting.
After signing the visitors’ book, the emir headed for Bangabhaban where the president received him.
A high-level Qatari delegation led by Qatar’s emir is on a state visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of the president and the prime minister.
During the ceremony, a road and a park in Dhaka were named after Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.
The park, constructed in Kalshi area of Mirpur under Dhaka North City Corporation, and the road from Mirpur ECB point to Kalsi Fly Over were named after Emir of Qatar.
Now, the road and park are known as Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Avenue and Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Park.
