BPSA alleges ‘coordinated disinformation’ campaign targeting police

Bangladesh Police Service Association (BPSA) on Sunday alleged that a coordinated disinformation campaign by the “hidden collaborators of fascist forces” is undermining police morale and hampering operational effectiveness.

In a statement signed by Shamima Parveen, Superintendent of Police (SP-Dhaka District) and general secretary (GS) of BPSA, the association said individuals both inside and outside the force were providing “false, motivated and misleading” information to online activists and self-styled journalists.

The association alleged that the intermediaries were circulating unverified reports on social media targeting senior police officers, including the Inspector General of Police, and tarnishing the reputation of the force.

According to the statement, police morale had been gradually recovering since August 5, 2024. However, it alleged that “fugitive, isolated fascist forces and certain vested quarters” had since engaged in a planned disinformation campaign that had escalated into what the association described as slander and deliberate propaganda.

The BPSA said the alleged campaign was eroding the morale, enthusiasm and operational effectiveness of officers returning to duty, thereby jeopardising law and order and public safety during the post-uprising period.

“This attempt to weaken and discredit the force through motivated disinformation, rumours and slanderous campaigns will ultimately harm not just the police force, but the state and the people,” the BPSA GS  said in the statement.

The association condemned the alleged activities as incompatible with responsible journalism, professional ethics and the interests of the state. It called for those involved to be identified and demanded strict and exemplary action against them under existing laws, regulations and organisational disciplinary procedures.

The statement did not include reactions from media organisations, civil society representatives or the police leadership regarding the allegation.