How artificial intelligence and synthetic reality shaped Bangladesh’s 2026 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 testament to the power of technology in manipulating political narratives and influencing voter perceptions. An analysis of seventy-two pieces of AI-generated content revealed that AI was not only a tool for communication but also a potent weapon in the hands of political actors, capable of manufacturing false narratives and altering electoral outcomes.

The election, held on February 12, 2026, was the first since the July 2024 student-mass uprising that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. This high-stakes vote was seen as a critical moment for Bangladesh, as the nation sought to rebuild and establish a free and fair democracy following the upheaval. However, the election was also a battleground for AI-driven disinformation and synthetic reality, which blurred the lines between truth and fiction, complicating the electoral process and raising concerns about the integrity of the democratic process.

One of the most notable instances of AI-driven manipulation occurred when a photograph began circulating across 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 between acquaintances. 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 the assassination.

The man sitting with Kayem in the photograph was allegedly Hadi’s shooter. The image quickly gained traction on social media, fueling speculation and conspiracy theories about the connection between Kayem and Hadi’s assassin. However, the fact-checking organization FactWatch determined that this photograph was fake and had been manipulated using AI-generated synthetic reality. The image was a composite of multiple elements, with the faces of the individuals altered to create a false narrative that linked Kayem to Hadi’s murder.

This incident highlighted the potential for AI to be used as a tool for political manipulation, capable of crafting false narratives that could sway public opinion and influence electoral outcomes. The use of AI in this manner raised serious concerns about the role of technology in shaping democratic processes and the potential for authoritarian regimes or political actors to exploit such tools to undermine the integrity of elections.

The 2026 Bangladesh election also saw the widespread use of AI-generated content in political campaigns, with candidates and political parties leveraging synthetic reality to create visually compelling and emotionally charged materials. These AI-generated content pieces were designed to appeal to voters’ emotions, often exaggerating or distorting facts to create a favorable image for the candidate or party. This not only made it difficult for voters to discern the truth but also contributed to a polarized electoral environment, as competing narratives vied for attention and influence.

In addition to the manipulation of visual content, AI was also used to target specific voter demographics with tailored messaging. Political campaigns employed AI algorithms to analyze large datasets, including social media activity, to identify patterns and preferences among voters. This allowed them to craft highly targeted messages that appealed to the specific concerns and values of different groups, potentially swaying voters in favor of a particular candidate or party.

The 2026 Bangladesh election also saw the emergence of AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants, which were used to engage with voters and disseminate information. These AI-powered platforms provided voters with real-time updates on campaign activities, polling locations, and other relevant information. However, the same platforms were also used to spread disinformation and misinformation, as AI-generated content could be easily manipulated to create false narratives that misled voters.

The election’s outcome was closely watched by international observers, who were concerned about the potential impact of AI on the democratic process. While the election was largely peaceful and free, the widespread use of AI-generated content and synthetic reality raised questions about the long-term implications of such technology on democracy. The election served as a stark reminder of the need for robust regulatory frameworks and fact-checking mechanisms to ensure the integrity of electoral processes in an increasingly AI-driven world.

In conclusion, Bangladesh’s 2026 election demonstrated the profound impact that artificial intelligence and synthetic reality can have on political campaigns and electoral outcomes. The election highlighted the potential for AI to be used as a tool for manipulation and disinformation, raising concerns about the future of democracy in an increasingly technologized world. As more countries embrace AI and synthetic reality in their political processes, it is crucial for policymakers, civil society, and international organizations to develop strategies and mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of elections and ensure that technology does not undermine the fundamental principles of democratic governance.