Local BNP leaders in Dinajpur’s Phulbari have held a press conference to protest a fabricated news clipping being shared on social media using the logo of the daily newspaper Kalbela.
Addressing reporters at the Phulbari Press Club on Wednesday, Phulbari Municipal BNP Convener Abul Bashar said a fake clipping titled "Allegation against two Phulbari Municipal BNP leaders for securing a fertilizer dealership in exchange for 3 lakh Taka" was circulated on Facebook on September 21. The post targeted Bashar and Senior Joint Convener Murtuza Haque Austin.
Bashar clarified that Kalbela’s local correspondent, Rita Rani Kanu confirmed she never filed such a report nor did the newspaper publish it. Leaders described the fake clipping as a malicious attempt to ruin their political and social standing.
"We urge social media users not to believe or share newspaper clippings without verifying their authenticity" said Austin, calling on law enforcement to track down those responsible for spreading disinformation.
In response to the misuse of the media outlet's branding, correspondent Rita Rani Kanu filed a General Diary (GD No. 1208) at the Phulbari Police Station on Tuesday night to protect her professional reputation and safety. Authorities have been urged to take legal action against the cyber culprits.
