In a detailed investigation, Rumor Scanner has exposed a falsified claim involving a viral video. According to the watchdog’s report, published on its website on Wednesday, December 25, a video purportedly showing an armed group in Bangladesh is actually footage of a new armed group in Myanmar.
The viral video, titled “Jemon Khushi Temon Sajo” (Dress up as you like) and captioned “Usury has made the country a safe haven for militants,” has been widely shared on social media. The footage shows individuals with covered faces delivering speeches that include terms like “Mujahideen” and “Jihad.” This has led to claims that the video depicts an armed group operating within Bangladesh.
However, Rumor Scanner’s investigation traced the video’s origin to the Arakan National Defense Force (ANDF), a newly formed armed group in Myanmar. A report published by Myanmar-based media outlet Development Media Group (DMG) on December 13, titled “New Muslim armed group emerges in Arakan State,” corroborates this. The report also features an image resembling scenes from the viral video.
The DMG article states that the ANDF was formed after the Arakan Army captured the city of Maungdaw near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. The ANDF has declared its intent to fight against the Arakan Army, with one of its members appearing in the video pledging resistance. Similar details were reported by Myanmar-based media Era’s Eye on December 14.
Further investigation led to the discovery of an extended version of the video, uploaded on December 11 by a YouTube channel called “Rohingya Knowledge World.” The channel description also confirms the video’s association with the ANDF.
In another recent investigation, Rumor Scanner debunked claims about a video showing students at an annual competition in Jashore Jamia Islamia Madrasa. The watchdog clarified that the footage was misleadingly portrayed as evidence of militancy or jihadist activities in Bangladesh.
Rumor Scanner concluded its latest report by asserting that the viral video falsely attributing an armed group to Bangladesh is unfounded.
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