The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested a man for his alleged involvement in spreading fake news using fake websites.
Confirming the matter to Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday RAB-2 ASP Jahid Ahsan said a vested quarters was involved in creating fake mirror websites of renowned media outlets and used those to spread fake news.
Nur Mohammad, 31, managing director of Guardian Publications, was arrested from Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on Tuesday night.
Using social media, Nur made a number of fake pages of news portals, including BBC Bangla, the Prothom Alo, among others to spread fabricated and false information, ASP Jahid added.
Nur Mohammad was a fugitive in a case filed against him and his associate Mohammad Enamul Haque in 2018 under Digital Security Act.
“Such an act is a criminal offense under the Digital Security Act. Mohammad Enamul Haque has already been arrested in this connection earlier,” he added.
Officials said acting on a tip-off, they conducted drive in Mohammadpur area and arrested Nur Mohammad.
RAB said the accused confessed to copying various national magazines using fake web hosting domains and spread anti-government propaganda.