State Minister for Water Resources and Member of Parliament for Panchagarh-2, Farhad Hossain Azad, has strongly condemned a fabricated and offensive image circulating on social media, dismissing it as a malicious propaganda campaign aimed at tarnishing his political image.
Over the past few days, a doctored photograph featuring the state minister has been widely shared across various Facebook pages and personal accounts, accompanied by misleading and defamatory claims. However, investigative checks and preliminary analyses confirmed that no reliable information or verified backing supports the authenticity of the claims.
Reacting to the malicious circulation, State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad asserted that the viral image is entirely false, baseless, and a product of deliberate mischief.
"The picture is completely fake," Azad said. "Political opponents may have orchestrated this kind of vile propaganda with vested interests to undermine my public image and create confusion."
Digital Manipulation and Visual Discrepancies
An initial technical review of the viral post indicates that the graphic is a collage, strategically stitching a separate portrait of the state minister onto an unrelated, objectionable visual context. Observers and digital experts noted noticeable discrepancies in lighting, shadows, facial proportions, and editing artefacts across the image.
Technology and cybersecurity analysts point out that with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and sophisticated editing software, generating hyper-realistic deepfakes and morphed images has become a growing global concern. Experts warn that malicious actors frequently weaponise digital manipulation during sensitive political climates to sway public opinion, mislead citizens, and defame public figures.
Experts Call for Caution and Verification
Media and cybersecurity specialists have urged social media users and the general public to exercise maximum caution. They advise that no viral image or video should be accepted at face value without cross-checking statements from the concerned individual, reviewing credible media reports, or utilising digital forensic verification when necessary.
Unverified information and digital propaganda pose severe threats, capable of inflicting unwarranted damage on individuals, society, and key state institutions alike. Authorities are reportedly keeping a close eye on syndicates involved in spreading coordinated online disinformation.
