Police Service Association Alleges Coordinated Social Media Disinformation Campaign

The Bangladesh Police Service Association has alleged that false, fabricated and misleading information targeting police officers and the force is being widely circulated on social media as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.

The allegation was made in a press release signed by the association's General Secretary and Dhaka District Police Superintendent, Shamima Parveen.

According to the statement, a group, along with individuals described as beneficiaries of the previous government, has been creating fabricated posts and spreading them through Facebook groups, pages and other social media platforms. The association claims the objective is to weaken law enforcement agencies and destabilize the country's security system.

The statement says that following the political transition in July and August 2024 and the formation of the current government through elections, the police have undertaken various initiatives to restore public confidence, strengthen professionalism and maintain law and order. It alleges that organized efforts are now underway to obstruct those activities and demoralize police personnel.

The association further claims that officers who have taken a firm stance against corruption, crime and irregularities are among the primary targets of the alleged misinformation campaign. Citing unnamed analysts, the statement describes the campaign as part of a broader and well-planned conspiracy rather than isolated incidents.

It also alleges that those behind the campaign create false and rumor-based content before distributing it simultaneously across multiple Facebook groups, pages and other social media platforms to maximize its reach.

According to the press release, legal and security experts believe such campaigns are intended not only to damage individual reputations but also to undermine the effectiveness of law enforcement and disrupt national security. It adds that spreading false or misleading information under the guise of freedom of expression is unacceptable.

Condemning the alleged campaign, the Bangladesh Police Service Association said relevant authorities, including police and intelligence agencies, are continuing to monitor such activities. It also expressed confidence that members of the Bangladesh Police will continue performing their duties professionally to maintain law and order.

//DBTech/PR/EK//