Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Men offer prayers amid floods in Bangladesh.
Fact
Old photograph, not related to the current Bangladesh floods.
As massive floods inundated multiple areas in Bangladesh, a photograph of a group of men offering prayers in chest-deep water has surfaced on social media platforms. Those sharing the image have linked to the current Bangladesh floods. Newschecker, however, found the photograph to be old.
Users sharing the image claimed, “This is how our brothers in Bangladesh offered their Jummah Salaah after India open gates into Bangladesh and created floods. (sic)” Multiple others on X posted the photograph asking to “Pray for Bangladesh”
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Bangladesh Floods – Video Of Srisailam Dam In Andhra Pradesh Falsely Shared As Tripura’s Dumbur Dam
Fact Check/Verification
A Google lens search on the viral image led us to the ‘Milano Photo Festival’ website. We found that the same image was featured in an article on the website on the World Water Day Photo Contest 2022. Further, it was also shared on the Festival’s Instagram page on September, 12, 2022, confirming that the photograph was old, and unrelated to the current situation in Bangladesh.
The same photograph was also listed on the website of ‘International Photography Awards’, and was credited to one ‘Sharwar Hussain.’ It was taken at Satkhira in Bangladesh on October 8, 2021, as per the website.
Also Read: AI-Generated Images Falsely Shared As Bangladesh Floods
We then skimmed through the Instagram profile of Sharwar Hussain, a documentary photographer, and found two posts from 2022 featuring the viral photograph.
Notably, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that the flood situation in Bangladesh is not due to release of waters from the dam on Gumti River, Tripura. The full release can be seen here.
Also Read: Bangladesh Temple Flooded After India Opened Its Dam? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Image
Conclusion
Hence, an old photograph of men offering prayers while partially engulfed in water has been misleadingly linked to the current floods in Bangladesh.
Result: False
Sources
Instagram Post By @milanophotofestival, Dated September 12, 2022
International Photography Awards Website
If you would like us to fact-check a claim, give feedback or lodge a complaint, WhatsApp us at 9999499044 or email us at checkthis@newschecker.in. You can also visit the Contact Us page and fill out the form. Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates.
Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
