An opinion piece by Khandaker Nur Hossain, published on January 16, 2026, warns that the growing use of 'photocards'—images with short, bold text used as news summaries—has become a dangerous trend in Bangladesh’s media landscape. The article argues that this oversimplified form of news, popular on platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram, often prioritizes excitement over truth, spreading misinformation and intensifying social and political divisions.

The author describes how these photocards frequently distort context, provoke anger, and deepen polarization, particularly between major political groups such as the BNP and Jamaat following the July uprising. The piece calls this phenomenon a reflection of journalism’s ethical crisis, where competition for views and engagement undermines accuracy and balance. False or misleading photocards can go viral before corrections appear, eroding public trust in media.

To address the crisis, the article urges responsibility from three sides: media outlets must ensure accuracy and restraint, the state should create effective policies against misinformation while protecting free expression, and readers should verify full reports before reacting.