Tarique Rahman's Zoom speech distorted by using AI: BNP

FE Team | Published: March 17, 2024 22:27:29

FE REPORT
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claimed on Sunday that the party's acting chairperson Tarique Rahman's zoom meeting speech was distorted to produce deepfake videos by using artificial intelligence (AI).
Senior joint secretary general of the party Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the claim at a press briefing at the party's Nayapaltan central office in the capital.
Terming it as a shameful and heinous conspiracy against the opponents, he said, "It will be a heinous example of campaigning against not only for Bangladesh opponents' views but also for other world's."
Mr Rizvi said that BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman maintained regular communication with party leaders and activists from London through the Zoom app.
He alleged that a section of pro-government online platform and media outlets were allegedly involved with making deepfake videos by distorting Tarique Rahman's Zoom speech and thus were collecting illegal tool from well-wishers of BNP living inside and outside the country.
He said that the videos also showed how toll was collected.
Mr Rizvi said that deepfake videos involving Tarique Rahman were not only produced but they (deepfake videos) were also produced involving some other BNP leaders including standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy.
He, however, said that prompt initiatives were taken by information and technology department to detect and delete the deepfake videos on YouTube and Facebook.
He said that campaigning against the opponents became a common routine of the government.
He called upon the people and party leaders and activists to remain vigilant against these deepfake videos.
"If anyone wants money from you through any video call, then you must inform instantly the high-ups of the party (BNP)," he maintained.
Mr Rizvi said that it had been proven by BNP's information technology inquiry team that one named Nahid Rain on behalf of the ruling Awami League was leading this sort of act against BNP.
He said that an influential person living outside the country was patronising Nahid Rain.
He demanded immediate arrest of Nahid Rain for his alleged involvement in making deepfake videos against BNP leaders for collecting illegal toll.
Adviser to BNP chairperson Sahida Rafique and party's health affairs secretary Rafiqul Islam were present, among others.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com