More and more misinformation and disinformation are flooding social media ahead of the election. To create voter awareness, we are running selective fact-check reports published by fact-checking organisations.

STAR REPORT

A video circulating on Facebook has claimed that Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister convicted of crimes against humanity, will return to Bangladesh before February. The video, shared by a page named Ajker Khobor on January 20, included a clip of President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s remarks, presented in a way that suggested the development was recent.

However, fact-checking organisation Dismislab has verified the claim and found it to be false.

WHAT THE CLAIM SAID

The 15-minute video shows President Shahabuddin delivering a speech. In his address, he extends greetings to the people of Pabna and his contemporaries in politics. He also pays tribute to the four national leaders, Awami League activists, and freedom fighters.

On the screen, the logo of Ajker Khobor appears on the right side, while the word “Live” and the date “20 January 2026” are displayed in the left corner. The caption of the Facebook video reads, “Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina will return to the country before February.”

WHAT THE FACT-CHECK FOUND

Upon verification through keyframe-based reverse image search, Dismislab traced the circulating clip back to a video report published on May 16, 2023, by the YouTube channel of news outlet Maasranga. A part of the video matches exactly with the visuals seen in the misleading Facebook video.

The video reports show that Shahabuddin assumed office as president of Bangladesh on April 24, 2023. On May 16, the same year, Rumor

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