Dipty Chowdhury, a television host who gained widespread recognition during the quota reform movement for her insightful moderation, finds herself at the center of controversy fueled by misinformation and personal attacks. Despite her significant contributions to public discourse, including being depicted in student movement graffiti, Dipty has become the target of fabricated claims questioning her association with a freedom fighter family.
Misinformation Campaign
A fake photo card circulated on social media, falsely quoting Dipty as saying, “My maternal grandmother’s cousin’s husband was a freedom fighter.” However, the publication allegedly associated with this claim, The Daily Star, has officially denied its authenticity.
Prominent online activist Nijhum Mojumdar also publicly questioned Dipty’s claim of being part of a freedom fighter family, demanding specifics about her familial connections to the liberation war. Additionally, false rumors emerged alleging that Dipty failed her Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams in 2024, despite clear records showing she passed in 2021 and is currently a student at Jagannath University.
Fact-Checking and Family Legacy
Independent fact-checkers like Rumor Scan and Truth Discovery Platform debunked the misinformation, affirming Dipty’s legitimate connection to a family with multiple freedom fighters. Her grandfather, Nurul Islam Chowdhury, a former chairman of Adampur Union in Kishoreganj, actively participated in the 1971 Liberation War. Official documents confirm that he surrendered his weapon post-war, though he refrained from claiming official recognition.
Additionally, Dipty’s extended family includes three other freedom fighters, with one receiving training in India and serving as a wireless operator during the war. Their contributions are well-documented and recognized locally.
Social Media Bullying
The smear campaign against Dipty also involved body shaming, political harassment, and coordinated trolling. Dipty addressed the situation on her social media, writing:
“Misinformation spreads faster than truth. It’s exhausting to endure baseless attacks rooted in political vendettas. Conscious citizens and the media must amplify the truth to counter such harassment.”
Upholding the Truth
Dipty urged everyone to stand united against fake news and online harassment, emphasizing the media’s role in safeguarding the truth. Her resilience in the face of adversity reaffirms her commitment to truth and justice, cementing her legacy as a courageous voice in a challenging era.
