The Police Headquarters (PHQ) has officially dismissed reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged discovery of seven bodies in the Turag River as entirely baseless and misinformation. In a formal statement released on Tuesday, law enforcement authorities clarified that no such incident occurred and warned the public against falling victim to sensationalist claims aimed at inciting panic. The police emphasized that these fabricated reports are part of a growing trend of spreading disinformation, urging citizens to verify news through credible, official media outlets before sharing it further.
The rumors reportedly gained traction late Monday night, appearing across various social media platforms and unverified news portals. These posts claimed that seven bodies had been recovered from the river, sparking immediate concern among residents and public commentators. However, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and local station officers conducted exhaustive patrols and onsite investigations, confirming that the river remains undisturbed. Officials noted that the spread of this misinformation appeared calculated to create social unrest during an already sensitive climate, marking it as a deliberate effort to compromise public order.
Providing further context on the matter, the Police Headquarters reiterated that spreading rumors is a punishable offense under existing digital security laws. The spokesperson for the PHQ noted that the department is currently tracking the origins of the false information. Technical teams are working to identify the individuals or groups responsible for triggering the hoax. Law enforcement agencies have sent a strong directive to the public, stressing that the intentional dissemination of false news regarding mass casualty incidents is not only irresponsible but also a criminal act that can lead to legal complications for those involved.
In light of the incident, the police have intensified their surveillance of digital spaces to monitor and curb the spread of inflammatory content. Officers have been instructed to exercise increased vigilance along the Turag River and surrounding areas to reassure the local population. By proactively countering the narrative, the police aim to prevent any adverse reactions that such rumors might have instigated in local communities. The PHQ has also requested the cooperation of the general public in reporting suspicious posts to the authorities, highlighting that collective vigilance is essential for maintaining social stability.
Media outlets and digital content creators have also been reminded of their ethical responsibility to confirm reports with official sources before broadcasting or publishing them. The PHQ statement underscored that unauthorized and unverified “breaking news” updates on social media often serve to distort reality and provoke unnecessary fear. The police thanked those who refrained from sharing the misinformation and called upon the community to remain calm and dismiss the rumors as entirely fraudulent, emphasizing that there is no factual basis for the alarming claims that circulated early this week.
Ultimately, the incident serves as a significant case study in the challenges posed by the fast-paced nature of digital information in modern society. As the situation remains under control and law enforcement continues its investigation into the source of the rumors, the Police Headquarters has maintained a posture of transparency and firmness. For now, the authorities have confirmed that security measures are in place and that there is no threat to public safety. They have urged citizens to continue their daily routines without fear, relying only on verified government communications for updates regarding law and order.