Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India to the west, north, and east, Myanmar to the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the south. The capital city, Dhaka, is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Bangladesh has a rich history, emerging as an independent nation in 1971 after gaining independence from Pakistan following the Bangladesh Liberation War. It has a diverse culture, with influences from Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions reflected in its arts, literature, and festivals.

In recent political developments, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina has resigned in 2024 amid growing political unrest, widespread protests, and demands for electoral reforms. The resignation marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with calls for new elections and debates over the transition of power. Bangladesh’s political scene has long been dominated by two major parties—the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—often resulting in intense competition and polarized governance.

Bangladesh has a rapidly growing economy, driven by sectors like textiles, agriculture, and remittances from overseas workers. Despite development strides, the country faces challenges such as poverty, environmental vulnerability, and political unrest. It also has a history of vibrant social movements, with frequent political rallies and protests that sometimes become subjects of misinformation.

Misinformation about Bangladesh often emerges during communal tensions, political events, or international disputes, with manipulated images, videos, or false claims spreading widely on social media.

In September 2024, BOOM fact-checked a viral video claiming that attacks on sex workers in Bangladesh had a communal angle.

BOOM found that the claim was false, with no communal aspect related to the incident, debunking the misleading narrative.