Viral Video Misrepresents Myanmar Quake Damage as Bangladesh Corruption

A video circulating on social media ahead of the first anniversary of protests in Bangladesh has been misleadingly attributed to corruption by the ousted government of Sheikh Hasina. The footage, however, actually depicts a fire station in Sagaing, Myanmar, damaged by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in March 2025.

The video, shared widely on Facebook, shows a partially collapsed fire station with crushed fire engines beneath. The Bengali-language caption falsely claims, “The contractor says the funds for construction ran out after everyone took their bribes,” suggesting corruption within the former Bangladeshi government. This misinformation coincides with the anniversary of student-led protests that led to Hasina’s ouster.

Myanmar Earthquake: The Real Story

According to local news reports, the fire station in Sagaing was severely damaged during the earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025. The city, located less than 15 kilometers from the quake’s epicenter, experienced widespread destruction, resulting in nearly 3,800 fatalities and significant property damage.

A reverse image search of the video frames led to a YouTube channel titled “2025 Sagaing Earthquake Archive,” confirming the video’s origin. Additional corroboration came from Myanmar news outlets such as Irrawaddy and the BBC, which published similar images in March.

“Damage To Sagaing Fire Station, Sagaing, Myanmar” — YouTube video title from May 24, 2025

Bangladesh’s Political Turmoil

The misleading video surfaces as Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of political upheaval. The protests against Hasina’s government in 2024 resulted in a violent crackdown, claiming up to 1,400 lives, according to the United Nations. The interim government, which took over after Hasina’s ouster, has initiated trials against her administration’s senior figures, a crucial demand from political factions vying for influence ahead of the anticipated 2026 elections.

Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India post-overthrow, faces arrest warrants issued by a Dhaka tribunal. The interim government has repeatedly sought her extradition, highlighting the ongoing political tensions in the region.

Fact-Checking and Misinformation

The viral video’s false attribution highlights the challenges of misinformation in politically charged environments. AFP has debunked similar claims linking unrest in Bangladesh to unrelated events. Such misinformation can exacerbate tensions and mislead the public, underscoring the importance of verifying sources and context.

To combat misinformation, experts recommend utilizing tools like reverse image searches and cross-referencing multiple credible sources. This approach not only clarifies the origins of misleading content but also helps maintain the integrity of information dissemination.

“Bribe-taking officials are getting frustrated as the avenues for corruption are narrowing.” — Part of the misleading Facebook caption

Looking Ahead

As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming elections, the dissemination of accurate information will be crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent process. The interim government has pledged to hold elections by June 2026, a promise that will be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers.

The situation in Myanmar, meanwhile, remains dire as the country continues to recover from the devastating earthquake. International aid and support are critical in rebuilding efforts and providing relief to affected communities.

In an era where misinformation can easily spread, the role of responsible journalism and informed citizenry becomes ever more vital. By staying vigilant and critically assessing the information we consume, we can contribute to a more informed and stable global society.