Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon told parliament on Monday that the government has identified 16 websites and more than 400 social media accounts allegedly spreading propaganda and false information.
He made the remarks in response to a written question from Jamalpur-3 MP Md Mustafizur Rahman Babul during the 12th sitting of the 13th National Parliament’s budget session.
The session, which began at 3pm, was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram. The question-and-answer segment was tabled in the House.
Swapon said the government’s fact-checking platform BanglaFact identified 16 websites that operate in a way similar to mainstream media outlets and are allegedly engaged in spreading propaganda and disinformation.
He added that authorities have also identified more than 400 social media accounts, including over 300 Facebook accounts and more than 100 X accounts, that were involved in disseminating false and misleading information.
Swapon also said the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) has published a research-based book titled “Predatory Journalism” (Shikari Sangbadikata), which examines how fascist forces allegedly use media platforms to suppress opponents and carry out character assassination campaigns.
According to the minister, the book explores how media can be used to target political rivals and shape public perception through misinformation and coordinated narratives.
He said the government has taken several initiatives to combat misinformation and disinformation, with BanglaFact playing a key role in identifying and verifying questionable content circulating online.
However, Swapon did not disclose the names of the identified websites or social media accounts, nor did he say whether any legal or regulatory action had been taken against them.
