As Bangladesh faces a surge in mob violence, killings, rapes, and political instability, a Yunus-aligned faction is relying on old “rumor machinery” to divert attention from these serious crises. Incidents like former Chief Election Commissioner K.M. Nurul Huda or mob attacks on minority father and son in Lalmonirhat are not isolated but have been happening repeatedly over the past 10 months. Meanwhile, the government’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam has attempted to legitimize the mobs by calling them a “pressure group.”Alongside mob violence, there has been a frightening increase in crimes such as murder and rape. Recently, a minority woman was raped in Muradnagar, Comilla. Over the past ten months, many minority women have been victimized, and hundreds of homes have been set on fire.In recent times, incidents of weapon seizures across the country have raised concerns. On Sunday, a man was arrested with weapons near an HSC exam center, and in Narail, a sniper rifle was recovered. Surprisingly, a magazine for an AK-47 was also found in the bag of student advisor Asif Mahmud, who does not possess any firearms license.Political polarization has also intensified. Ignoring BNP, student organizers have formed a new alliance with Jamaat and several Islamic parties. Meanwhile, the caretaker government is desperately trying to strengthen its position through various misdeeds and authoritarianism.When the government faces criticism, the old network of rumor terrorism becomes active to distract public attention. Known as the “Yunus Gang,” the active members of this group include Pinaki Bhattacharya, Konok Sarwar, and Elias Hossain—three expatriates involved in controversial political activities.In a Facebook post on Monday, Pinaki wrote, “Silence is prevailing, who will be the new president? Please wait a little for the answer.” In another post featuring Khaleda Zia’s picture, he wrote, “The honorable new president of Bangladesh… in whose hands independence, sovereignty, and dignity will remain safe.”Experts say such posts are not mere innocent expressions of opinion but a well-planned campaign to create confusion among the public. This group regularly spreads anti-state rumors, misinformation, and confusing content through their Facebook pages, YouTube channels, and other digital platforms.Specialists reveal that this Yunus-linked propaganda network operates through three main tactics: first, casting suspicion on the military and law enforcement agencies; second, launching aggressive campaigns against political leaders and the administration; third, creating a politically unstable environment through rumor-based predictions.Security analysts note that the principal advisory office plays a ‘silent role’ in this campaign, according to some diplomatic sources. Although there is no public evidence, influence and sympathy for these activities have become apparent. This rumor machinery is causing anxiety and a crisis of trust among the general public, posing a grave threat to democracy and national stability.Experts believe this is not just a political strategy but a well-organized seditious effort aimed at crippling the state apparatus. The demand of the hour is for the state, the public, and the media to unite and firmly stand against this rumor machinery. Otherwise, the shadow of confusion could engulf democracy, security, and national dignity.
