Gobindaganj: Fact-checking platform BanglaFact, managed by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), has uncovered a misleading video that falsely claims the recovery of weapons from Jamaat-e-Islami supporters. The video in question actually depicts the recovery from drug dealers affiliated with the Awami League.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BanglaFact’s investigation revealed that the video, widely circulated on social media, incorrectly asserted that the army conducted a raid in Gobindaganj Upazila of Gaibandha, arresting local coordinators and leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami alongside a significant haul of weapons and narcotics. However, BanglaFact verified that the individuals apprehended were not associated with Jamaat-e-Islami.
In reality, those arrested were drug dealers and supporters of the Awami League, as confirmed by the officer-in-charge (OC) of Gobindaganj Police Station to BanglaFact. The video, which bore the Mohana TV logo, was tracked down to a publication dated July 5, indicating a joint forces operation in Gobindaganj, Gaibandha, resulting in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of local weapons and drugs.
Further details from reports on the same date disclosed that the raid by the army and police took place in the Buzruk Boalia area of Gobindaganj on the night of July 4. The operation led to the arrest of Azad Mandal, Mosharraf Hossain, Ashadul Islam, and Mehedi Hasan, along with the seizure of weapons, communication devices, cash, and drugs from specific locations.
Most media outlets omitted the political affiliations of the arrested individuals, yet a Desh Rupantor report identified them as being under the influence of the previous Awami League government. BanglaFact contacted Bulbul Islam, the OC of Gobindaganj thana, confirming that the arrested were drug dealers with no ties to the anti-discrimination movement or Jamaat-e-Islami, but rather linked to the Awami League.
BanglaFact underscored that the circulated footage’s claims on the platform X are false. The platform remains committed to combating rumors, fake news, and disinformation, ensuring the public in Bangladesh receives accurate information.