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.
During the eleventh month of the current fiscal year, the country’s foreign currency reserves have fallen below $19 billion for the first time. After paying off some import bills, the reserves have now stood at $18.26 billion on Sunday.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of May 8, the total foreign currency reserves of the country were $19.82 billion.
Mohammad Mezbauul Haque, the spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, informed that through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), the central bank has paid off import bills totaling $1.63 billion over the past two months.
However, Bangladesh Bank maintains that after paying off the import bills, the foreign currency reserves now stand at $23.71 billion.
According to the Central Bank’s accounts, the reserves were $25.27 billion on May 8.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) have expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her directive to list government companies in the capital market, a move hailed as timely and positive.
The directive was issued during the recent meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) last Thursday.
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu, Chairman of DSE, described the directive as a significant step towards enhancing the dynamics of the capital market. He emphasized that besides invigorating the capital market, this move would also attract foreign investment and promote sustainable development.
Despite previous efforts, government institutions had not been listed in the stock exchange, according to a notification issued by the DSE. The Prime Minister’s directive is seen as a pivotal step towards revitalizing and expanding the economy.
Dr. Babu further remarked, “The listing of reputable companies in the capital market, as directed by the Prime Minister, will greatly benefit the country’s economy. It will also enhance investor confidence.”
Similarly, the DBA released a notification applauding the Prime Minister’s directive, terming it as positive and timely for the capital market.
Saiful Islam, President of DBA, expressed optimism about the directive’s potential to accelerate the country’s capital market and overall economy. He pledged support to relevant government departments and regulatory bodies in implementing the directive, ensuring its positive impact on the economy, including the capital market.
India has expressed interest in financing Bangladesh’s Teesta project, announced Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Mahmud stressed the importance of aligning the project with Bangladesh’s needs. He confirmed discussions on the Teesta issue during the meeting. Mahmud also affirmed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to New Delhi, indicating that the finalization of the date would depend on the formation of the new Indian government following ongoing elections.
Meanwhile, the IMF has approved a $1.15 billion staff-level loan for Bangladesh in its third tranche. Mahmud noted the ongoing elections in India and the subsequent formation of the new government as factors influencing the scheduling of PM Hasina’s visit.
When asked about the sequence of visits to India and China, Mahmud suggested Delhi’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources suggest PM Hasina’s visit to India is planned for early July, following India’s elections.
Pre-election surveys indicate strong prospects for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election. Modi previously congratulated PM Hasina on her electoral victory in January, expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two nations.
The last bilateral engagement between the prime ministers occurred during the G-20 Leaders Summit in September 2023. Modi is expected to invite South Asian and BIMSTEC leaders to his swearing-in ceremony, fostering regional cooperation.
Addressing border killings, Mahmud emphasized the government’s commitment to ending such incidents and promoting the use of non-lethal weapons by border forces. Discussions also covered enhancing physical and people-to-people connectivity, including cooperation with India to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan through India. Mahmud highlighted the need to further ease visa restrictions to strengthen people-to-people relations.
