How artificial intelligence and synthetic reality shaped Bangladesh’s 2026 election
An analysis of seventy-two pieces of AI-generated content, showed that AI was a powerful political weapon, and was used to manufacture false narratives and shape electoral outcomes ahead of Bangladesh’s national election.
In the lead-up to Bangladesh’s 2026 national election, artificial intelligence and synthetic reality played a significant role in shaping the electoral landscape. This election, marked by its AI-saturated environment, became a battleground for political manipulation and information warfare. An analysis of seventy-two pieces of AI-generated content revealed that AI was a powerful political weapon, used to manufacture false narratives and influence voter perceptions.
The election took place on February 12, 2026, following the July 2024 student-mass uprising that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. The high-stakes vote was seen as a critical test of whether Bangladesh could rebuild and establish a free and fair democracy. However, the use of AI and synthetic reality during this election raised concerns about the integrity of the democratic process.
One of the most notable examples of AI-driven manipulation was the circulation of a photograph on Bangladeshi social media on December 14, 2025. The image depicted Shadik Kayem, the 27th Vice-President of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union, sitting across a small table from another man, seemingly sharing tea in a casual meeting. The timing of the photograph was explosive, as it came just three days after Osman Hadi, the coordinator of Inqilab Moncho (Revolution Platform), a cultural organization formed by people associated with the July 2024 student-mass uprising, had been shot in Dhaka. This attack triggered immediate political controversy about who orchestrated it.
The man sitting with Kayem in the photograph was allegedly Hadi’s shooter. The image quickly spread across social media, fueling speculation and distrust. However, fact-checking organization FactWatch determined that the photograph was fake and had been manipulated using AI-generated technology. This incident highlighted the potential for AI to be used to create false narratives and manipulate public opinion, undermining the democratic process.
The use of AI and synthetic reality extended beyond individual instances of misinformation. The election campaign saw a surge in AI-generated content, including deepfakes, manipulated videos, and AI-driven social media bots. These tools were employed by political parties and interest groups to shape voter perceptions and sway public opinion. The widespread use of such technology raised questions about the authenticity of the electoral process and the potential for foreign interference.
The Bangladeshi government’s response to these challenges was mixed. While efforts were made to regulate AI and combat misinformation, the rapid pace of technological advancement and the lack of robust regulatory frameworks made it difficult to effectively control the spread of AI-generated content. This left voters vulnerable to manipulation and disinformation, casting doubt on the fairness of the election.
The 2026 election also saw the integration of synthetic reality into political campaigns. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies were used to create immersive experiences for voters, allowing them to interact with political candidates and party platforms in simulated environments. While this innovation aimed to enhance voter engagement, it also posed new challenges. The potential for manipulation and misrepresentation in these synthetic realities raised concerns about the accuracy of the information voters received and the ability of candidates to present their true selves.
In conclusion, Bangladesh’s 2026 election demonstrated the profound impact of artificial intelligence and synthetic reality on political campaigns and voter perceptions. The widespread use of AI-generated content and synthetic realities highlighted the need for robust regulatory frameworks and fact-checking mechanisms to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. As AI continues to evolve, the challenge of balancing technological advancement with democratic values will remain a critical concern for Bangladesh and other nations around the world.
