BanglaFact Debunks Fabricated Quote Attributed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
DHAKA, Aug 03, 2026 – In a significant move to combat the growing menace of digital misinformation, BanglaFact, the dedicated fact-checking and media research arm of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), has officially flagged a viral social media campaign as completely fraudulent. The organization identified a malicious attempt to mislead the public by fabricating a statement regarding national electricity pricing and attributing it directly to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The viral content, which gained traction across various Facebook groups and personal profiles, featured a professionally designed photo card depicting the Prime Minister alongside a provocative quote. The text claimed that the Prime Minister had stated, “You want gas, you want electricity, and at the same time you want lower bills. That is not possible. No government can make that happen!” This assertion was intended to frame the government as indifferent to the economic burdens faced by citizens struggling with utility costs.
Following a rigorous investigation, BanglaFact confirmed that the quote is entirely fictitious. Analysts at the PIB verified the Prime Minister’s official public speeches, policy statements, and press releases, concluding that no such remark was ever made. The research team underscored that the statement contradicts the government’s stated commitment to addressing energy affordability, labeling the viral graphic as a calculated piece of disinformation designed to incite public discontent.
The investigation into the source of the misinformation revealed that the fabricated image originated from an online entity known as “Gupto TV,” which explicitly positions itself as a satire platform. However, once the image was shared outside its original context, malicious actors stripped away the satirical framing, presenting it as a legitimate news snippet. This process of “decontextualization” allowed the false claim to bypass the critical scrutiny of many social media users, who shared the post under the assumption that it was an authentic report.
BanglaFact expressed deep concern over the ease with which satirical content can be manipulated to spread political falsehoods. The researchers emphasized that in an era of rapid digital dissemination, bad actors are increasingly using the aesthetic of legitimate news media—such as stylized photo cards and official-looking typography—to lend credibility to lies. By presenting satire as factual reporting, these groups exploit public trust, causing significant damage to the reputation of government officials and fueling unnecessary social volatility.
In light of this incident, the Press Institute Bangladesh is reiterating its call for heightened media literacy among the general public. BanglaFact advises citizens to exercise extreme caution before sharing quotes or policy claims found on social media, particularly those that lack links to verified news outlets or official government portals. As the nation navigates a complex digital information landscape, both the public and social media platforms are being urged to remain vigilant against those who prioritize disinformation over the truth.
