DHAKA, Dec 25, 2024 (BSS) - Fact-checking body Rumor Scanner dubbed misleading a viral video claiming a new armed group in Myanmar as Bangladesh's one. 

The fact checking watchdog in an investigation found that a video of a new armed group in Myanmar is being falsified as a video of an armed group of Bangladesh.

In a report published on its website today, Rumor Scanner said recently a video of "Jemon Khushi Temon Sajo" (Dress up as you like) with the title "Usury has made the country a safe haven for militants" went viral on social media. 

In the video, some people with covering their faces are seen giving speeches as words like 'Mujahideen' and 'Jihad' are heard to be used in their speeches. By circulating the video, it is basically being claimed that it is a video of an armed group in Bangladesh.

The Rumor Scanner team's investigation revealed that the viral video is not related to any armed group in Bangladesh rather it is a video of a new armed group in Myanmar called the Arakan National Defense Force (ANDF).

A search in this regard found a report published on the website of the Myanmar-based media Development Media Group (DMG) on December 13 under the title "New Muslim armed group emerges in Arakan State". The image attached to the report is similar to the video circulated in the disputed claim.

The report revealed that after the Arakan Army captured the city of Maungdaw on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, a new Muslim armed group called the Arakan National Defense Force (ANDF) has been formed to fight against the Arakan Army. 

In a video recently circulated on social media, a member of the ANDF has revealed their presence and pledged to fight against the Arakan Army.

The same information is also available from a report published on the website of the Myanmar-based media Era's Eye on December 14.

Later, based on the reports, an extended version of the controversial video, which was released on December 11 on a YouTube channel called 'Rohingya Knowledge World', was found. The description of that YouTube channel also claimed that the video is from the ANDF.

So, a video of a new armed group in Myanmar is being circulated in Bangladesh under the claim of an armed group; which is false, the fact check report ended.
 
Recently, Rumor Scanner in another investigation debunked a video claiming a performance of students at an annual competition in Jashore Jamia Islamia Madrasa as rise of militancy, gatherings or calls for jihad in Bangladesh, calling it misleading.