Sujan Warns of AI-Driven Disinformation Risks in 13th Parliamentary Election

Citizens for Good Governance (Sujan) Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar has expressed concern over the risk of disinformation campaigns using artificial intelligence (AI) in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He also questioned growing intolerance and violence in political conduct, as well as what he described as the Election Commission’s (EC) “leniency” toward certain candidates.

He made the remarks at a press conference held on Saturday, January 24, at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), where he urged the Election Commission to take immediate and firm action on these issues.

Highlighting the dangers of AI-enabled misinformation, Badiul Alam Majumdar said that in the current AI era, many things are technically possible. “Such practices have happened in the past and may happen again in the future. On election day, false information could be spread using AI—such as claims that a candidate has died or withdrawn from the race—in an attempt to mislead voters. This could influence the election outcome,” he warned, adding that the Election Commission must remain vigilant and proactive. He also pointed out that the postal ballot system carries the risk of controversy, which could ultimately call the entire election result into question.

The press conference, titled ‘The Role of Stakeholders in Ensuring a Free and Fair 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum–2026’, featured a written statement read out by Sujan’s Central Coordinator Dilip Kumar Sarker. The statement noted that the primary responsibility for conducting elections lies with the Election Commission, and that free and fair elections are impossible if this constitutional body fails to remain neutral. It alleged that the Commission has already been accused of showing flexibility in allowing candidacies despite allegations related to loan default and dual citizenship.

The written statement further said that public perception has grown stronger that “many candidates have concealed information” after reviewing declarations of annual income and assets. It questioned whether the Election Commission had properly verified affidavit information with the support of relevant agencies, and whether it had shown leniency toward influential candidates. Even minimal truth in such perceptions, the statement warned, would undermine the credibility of the election.

At the event, Dilip Kumar Sarker also called on voters not to cast their ballots for corrupt, terrorist, extortionist, anti-humanity, misogynistic or abusive individuals, drug traffickers, smugglers, loan defaulters, bill defaulters, communal elements, land grabbers, environmental destroyers, or holders of black money—stating that no dishonest, incompetent, or anti-people individual deserves public support.

DBTech/PAN/EK/OR