STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Misinformation and rumours in Bangladesh are no longer merely online falsehoods but are increasingly being used as political and commercial tools from social media to the streets and then into mainstream media and academics, said media experts and policymakers yesterday.

They made the remarks at a programme titled “Rumours and Misinformation in the Media: Who is the Victim? Who is the Predator?”, organised by the Press Institute Bangladesh.

“Fake news, disinformation and rumours should not be treated as random falsehoods. These are now highly political tools,” said Prof A Al Mamun of Rajshahi University’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism.

He termed it alarming as the world is witnessing the rise of fascist and autocratic regimes, along with right-wing politics.

In Bangladesh, the reality of the last two years showed a positive correlation between right-wingers and rumours, misinformation and disinformation, Prof Mamun said.

He also said false information can move from social media to the streets and then enter mainstream media, helping create a wider Dr

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