A photocard claiming that the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be handed over to a foreign company is fake. Following the fire at the cargo village of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, a photocard bearing the Jamuna TV logo went viral on Facebook. The photocard claimed that the airport would be handed over to a foreign company for operation and that Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam had made such a remark. However, FactWatch’s investigation has found that the photocard circulated in the name of Jamuna TV is fabricated. Jamuna TV neither published any such photocard nor aired any related news. No mainstream media outlet has reported any such statement from the press secretary either.

FactWatch’s investigation found that, first, Jamuna TV did not publish any such photocard or news on its website or official Facebook page. The background color and font of the fabricated photocard noticeably differ from those of Jamuna TV’s original photocard style. Second, there is no information in mainstream media supporting the claim that the press secretary made such a statement.

A review of the press secretary’s verified Facebook account shows that he issued a statement in English following the airport fire. When translated into Bangla, it reads:

“Dhaka, October 18: The interim government is aware of public concern regarding the recent major fire incidents in various parts of the country. We want to assure everyone that the security forces are properly investigating each incident and working carefully to protect lives and property. If any evidence of sabotage or arson is found, strict action will be taken immediately. No criminal or provocative act will be allowed to create unrest in public life or politics. The government wishes to state clearly that if these fires are acts of sabotage intended to spread fear or division, they will only succeed if we allow fear to prevail over reason and determination. Bangladesh has faced many challenges before, and we will meet any threat to our new democracy with unity, calmness, and resolve. We have nothing to fear—fear itself is our only enemy.”

The investigation makes it clear that the viral photocard is baseless and fabricated. Therefore, FactWatch has verified this photocard as “false.”

Original News Source: https://www.fact-watch.org/press-secretarys-statement-on-fire-incident-at-the-cargo-fake-photo-card/