A video depicting military action in Bangladesh is being shared as that of West Bengal, ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections

Ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in several Indian states, including Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, a video showing armed personnel detaining people and forcing them into a vehicle has been circulating online with the claim that it depicts military action in West Bengal. The video has been shared on multiple platforms, including social media, and has sparked concerns among users. However, a closer examination reveals that the video is not from West Bengal, India, but rather from Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The claim made in the post suggests that the visuals are of military action taking place in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. To verify this, a reverse image search was conducted using the keyframes of the video. This search revealed that the same video had been posted by Bangladeshi media Facebook pages on February 12, 2026. These posts indicated that the incident occurred near the Maniknagar Model High School polling station in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Upon closer inspection of the video, several details confirm its Bangladeshi origin. The army vehicle visible in the footage bears the inscription "Bangladesh Army," leaving no doubt about the location. Additionally, a banner at the school gate reads "Bangladesh Election Commission" in Bengali, and the school's name, "Maniknagar Model High School," is also visible. These details serve as further confirmation that the video is from Bangladesh and not India.

To further verify the geolocation, the specific location depicted in the video was geolocated. The surroundings matched the location seen in the viral video, providing additional evidence that the video is indeed from Bangladesh.

The sharing of this video as if it were from West Bengal, India, is a clear example of misinformation being spread ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Such false narratives can have a significant impact on public sentiment and may be intended to influence voters or create unrest. It is crucial for individuals to critically evaluate the information they encounter, especially during election seasons, to avoid being misled by misleading content.

In conclusion, a video depicting military action in Bangladesh is being shared as that of West Bengal, ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and fact-checking in the face of misinformation, particularly in the context of elections. By verifying claims and cross-referencing information, the public can better protect themselves from being misled by false narratives.