False Images and Videos Flood Social Media After November 21 Quake

Following the earthquake on the morning of November 21, Friday, various rumors have spread across social media. Fake photos and videos—many of them AI-generated or from other countries—are being shared widely on Facebook and other platforms.

Some posts claim that a viaduct of the Dhaka Metro Rail has collapsed, while others allege a building collapse in Gazipur. There have even been rumors that a building in the Nilkhet–New Market area has tilted, although in reality, no such damage occurred.

Images and videos from earthquake-affected regions around the world are also being circulated as if they depict scenes from Bangladesh. The rumor about a tilting building in the Nilkhet–New Market area spread widely online, but local inquiries confirmed that the building’s design itself gives that appearance. There was no collapse or structural damage.

Various groups, pages, and individuals on social media are actively spreading misinformation. AI-generated videos and fabricated claims are being disseminated rapidly.

One circulating video shows a metro rail viaduct in Dhaka collapsing, while another claims a factory in Gazipur has caved in. However, no related agency has confirmed the authenticity of these claims.

Foreign photos and videos from earthquake aftermaths are also being posted as though they originated in Bangladesh. The rumor about the tilting building continues to circulate, although local verification shows the structure remains stable.

Meanwhile, a message from the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser has urged the public to stay alert about misinformation and unnecessary panic. The statement said the government is monitoring reports of the earthquake felt in different parts of the country and that the situation is being closely observed. Relevant departments have been instructed to go to the field immediately and assess any potential damage.

DBTech/RB/OR