Social media posts in India falsely labeled footage of student clashes in Bangladesh as a ‘Hindu killing’. AFP fact-checking revealed no evidence of Hindu students’ deaths in the violence. The clashes, involving students from Dhaka’s colleges, were unrelated to religious tensions. The incident stemmed from a protest after the death of a student due to hospital negligence. Authorities confirmed that the violence was not religiously motivated, and no Hindu students were targeted or injured in the conflict.

Indian news outlet Zee 24 Ghanta misrepresented Bangladesh’s poverty by using an image actually taken in India. The photo, showing children standing in line with plates, was from New Delhi in 2020, where slum children waited for free food during the COVID-19 lockdown. A reverse image search confirmed its prior use by CNBC and Getty Images. Despite this, the misleading image was intentionally used to depict Bangladesh’s poverty, raising concerns about journalistic integrity in Indian media.

The press wing of Bangladesh’s interim government has strongly condemned a report by Indian media outlet Anandabazar Online about a supposed military coup in Dhaka. The government labeled the report as false, fabricated, and part of an information warfare campaign aimed at influencing Bangladesh’s political landscape. It accused Indian media of using hybrid warfare tactics to support Sheikh Hasina’s government and undermine the people’s struggle for independence. The article was later removed by Anandabazar.

Interim government’s Information and Broadcasting Advisor Nahid Islam dismissed reports about his resignation, stating he would announce such a decision himself. Addressing journalists on January 30, he clarified that no such decision has been made. A national daily had reported that he and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud might resign by February 15 to join a new student-led political party. Nahid refuted this, emphasizing that if they leave the government, it will be officially declared. Speculation about the new party has been ongoing, drawing reactions from BNP leadership.

Law and Justice Advisor Professor Asif Nazrul has urged everyone to disregard false rumors spreading on social media, calling them “the ramblings of a madman.” In a Facebook post on January 24, he assured that everything is fine and there is no reason for concern. Since the night of January 23, unfounded claims, including allegations about interim government advisors fleeing, the Chief Advisor resigning, and the military forming a government, have circulated widely. He emphasized that such information is completely false and baseless.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has canceled a controversial notice that directed action against students involved in spreading rumors, propaganda, or misinformation against the government or state. Issued on January 2, the notice sparked public outcry for urging strict vigilance and reporting of such activities. On January 22, Professor Md. Abed Nomani confirmed the withdrawal, stating it was a joint decision by MAUSI and the Education Ministry. However, no specific reasons were provided for revoking the directive.

A fire rumor in the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express triggered panic among passengers, who jumped off the train in fear. The chaotic situation led to 12 deaths when passengers were hit by the passing Karnataka Express. The incident occurred on January 22 near Jalgaon, Maharashtra, after a “hot axle” or “brake jam” caused sparks. Emergency relief teams were sent, and medical aid was provided to the injured. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister expressed condolences, with efforts underway to assist the affected families.

Rumors about cricketer and former MP Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s death in a Dubai car accident are circulating widely on social media. However, the Rumor Scanner team confirmed these claims are entirely false and baseless. No credible domestic or international sources have reported on Mashrafe’s presence in Dubai or his alleged death. While he hasn’t appeared publicly since August 2024, he was expected to play for Sylhet Strikers in the BPL but is currently sidelined due to fitness issues. The death rumor holds no truth.

A viral claim circulated on social media that the Bangladesh Army had seized the passports of 45 individuals, including Sarjis Alam, who were allegedly preparing to travel to Europe illegally. However, this was debunked by the fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner, which confirmed that the information was fabricated. The army confirmed that the claim was false, and no mainstream media or official reports supported the story. The rumor originated from a blog website and spread through social media.