Recently, various Facebook accounts in Bangladesh have shared a report from Aaj Tak Bangla, asserting that UN peacekeeping forces are entering the country. However, an investigation by FactWatch reveals that the United Nations has not issued any statement regarding the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh. Consequently, FactWatch has identified such posts as false.
Source of the Rumor: The claim originated from a video report published on Aaj Tak Bangla’s YouTube channel on February 13. This report primarily discusses the United Nations' recent statements regarding Bangladesh. The 8-minute 33-second report begins by addressing allegations of persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. It further claims that the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh is only a matter of time.
FactWatch’s Investigation: A recent report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) highlights human rights violations during protests in Bangladesh in July-August 2024 and includes several recommendations. Aaj Tak Bangla linked this report, along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during Modi’s visit to the United States, to claim that UN peacekeeping forces are entering Bangladesh. Previously, in December, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also urged the central government to take steps toward sending UN peacekeeping forces to Bangladesh.
A review of the United Nations’ recent reports and recommendations on Bangladesh shows no suggestion of deploying peacekeeping forces. The BBC Bangla report analyzing how the UN may assist Bangladesh does not mention any such deployment. Moreover, no other media outlet has reported on this issue.
It is important to note that the United Nations typically deploys peacekeeping forces in conflict zones to establish peace, maintain ceasefires, and provide humanitarian assistance. These forces are composed of troops voluntarily contributed by UN member states. Bangladesh has been a long-standing participant in UN peacekeeping missions, and its troops have earned a strong reputation in such operations.
Based on a comprehensive review, FactWatch has identified posts claiming that UN peacekeeping forces are entering Bangladesh as false.
Original News Source: https://www.fact-watch.org/un-peacemaker-force/
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Fact-Check Alert
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Before sharing any photocard, always verify it by checking the original media source.
Sharing religious misinformation and disinformation can cause harm. Always verify before sharing.