Dhaka: BanglaFact, a fact-check and media research team of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), has detected that 'BD Digest', operating under the guise of a news site, is essentially a platform for spreading propaganda for the Awami League (AL), whose activities have been banned.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BanglaFact has identified BD Digest as a propaganda machine used for partisan promotion of the AL, manufacturing conspiracy theories, and spreading disinformation. It is operated under the guise of a news site by Canada-based Awami League activist Kazi Mamun.
Observations by BanglaFact's investigative team reveal that although BD Digest presents itself as a news site, it is essentially a political propaganda platform for the Awami League. Its main purpose is to conduct organized political campaigns in favor of the Awami League. The website includes typical sections of a news portal such as politics, economy, entertainment, and sports. Despite its professional presentation, many readers mistake it for a regular news outlet and share its content. Awami League leaders and activists, including Sajeeb Wazed Joy, are often seen sharing BD Digest content regularly. Following the July 2024 mass uprising, the Awami League has increasingly relied on propaganda and misinformation. Numerous Facebook pages and websites, including BD Digest, are part of this strategy.
Fact-checking organizations have found evidence of increased dissemination of rumors and false information involving Bangladesh, particularly targeting the interim government and participants of the 2024 mass uprising. These activities have been traced to Indian media, various social media platforms operated from India, and several Facebook accounts within Bangladesh.
BanglaFact continues to play its role in countering rumors, fake news, and misinformation in Bangladesh, ensuring that accurate information reaches the public.