Rumor Scanner, a fact-checking organization, has identified 10 instances of misinformation and rumors related to the Hindu festival of Durga Puja, spread across various platforms within the past week (October 6–12). The investigation revealed that many of these claims were based on outdated incidents, presented as recent events, while others involved occurrences in neighboring India that were misrepresented as having happened in Bangladesh.
The surge of misinformation surrounding Durga Puja is not new. As one of the most significant religious festivals for the Hindu community, Durga Puja often becomes the focal point for communal propaganda, false information, and rumors. This year has been no different. Rumor Scanner published 10 fact-check reports addressing such misinformation last week.
Among the identified rumors were:
- False claims about idols being vandalized in Barisal, where it was reported that the festival was being celebrated with banners in place of idols.
- A video showing Islamic verses being played in front of an idol was found to have originated from India, not Bangladesh.
- A video of an altercation at an Indian puja venue was circulated as an event in Bangladesh.
- Manipulated photos showed people praying in front of a puja venue to stir communal tensions.
- Old images of idol vandalism were shared as recent incidents.
- Videos of musical performances at puja stages were from India, not Bangladesh.
- The alleged vandalism of a temple in Dohar, Dhaka, was from 2023 and not a recent event.
- Rumors of a tent being slashed at a puja pavilion in Narsingdi and claims of a Hindu youth being arrested for temple vandalism in Faridpur in 2023 were falsely presented as recent.
In addition to misinformation related to Durga Puja, Rumor Scanner also uncovered a rumor that claimed hilsa fish were sent to India as a gift (free of charge) during the previous government. The fact-check revealed that hilsa was exported as a trade commodity, not as a gift.
Separately, Rumor Scanner reported the spread of misinformation regarding an alleged conflict between Interim Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the army chief. On October 8, social media, especially Facebook, was abuzz with at least eight rumors relating to this purported rift. Furthermore, a phishing link disguised as a petition calling for Dr. Yunus’ resignation was circulated. Rumor Scanner confirmed that the petition was fake and that the link posed a security risk, potentially compromising personal data.
Another significant rumor that circulated last week involved a false report claiming that 3,204 police officers were killed by students during the quota reform movement. This misinformation was spread online, attributing the claim to the American magazine Time. However, Rumor Scanner’s investigation found no such report published by Time.
Additionally, there was confusion regarding a video of Islamic songs being played at a puja venue in Chattogram. While some claimed the video was edited, Rumor Scanner verified it as authentic. However, the video showing Islamic verses in front of idols was confirmed to be from India, not Bangladesh.
This surge in rumors and misinformation highlights the need for vigilance and fact-checking during sensitive times, such as religious festivals.