A disturbing case of digital extortion has surfaced in Bogura, where Mosharef Hossain, the BNP’s nominated parliamentary candidate for Bogura-4 (Nandigram–Kahaloo), has allegedly been threatened with the creation and viral circulation of AI-generated obscene images. The threat, delivered through WhatsApp from a foreign number, has prompted the filing of a General Diary (GD) at Bogura Sadar Police Station. Duty Officer SI Md. Mehedi Hasan confirmed the filing.
The GD was submitted on Monday night on behalf of Mosharef by Abdul Momin, son of Lutfar Rahman of Narhatta Doyanipara, and organisational secretary of Kahaloo Upazila BNP.
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Background and Nature of the Threat
According to the GD, Mosharef Hossain, a former Member of Parliament and the current acting General Secretary of Bogura District BNP, is widely regarded as an established and respected political figure in the region. Over the past months, several unidentified individuals have allegedly been operating fake Facebook accounts to spread misinformation aimed at damaging his reputation.
The situation escalated on 8 December, at 9:46am, when Mosharef—while at his residence in Bogura’s Upashahar area—received a WhatsApp message from an unknown foreign number: +1 (916) 477-5662. The sender demanded an “immoral favour”, warning that failure to comply would result in the creation and mass circulation of obscene, AI-manipulated images of the politician via Facebook and other platforms.
The message also warned that the fabricated content could be used for widespread smear campaigns unless financial demands were met.
Key Details of the Incident
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Targeted Individual | Mosharef Hossain (BNP Candidate, Bogura-4) |
| Mode of Threat | WhatsApp message |
| Source Number | +1 (916) 477-5662 (Foreign) |
| Nature of Threat | Creation and circulation of AI-generated obscene images |
| Demand | Illegal financial payment (approx. Tk 1.25 crore, per Mosharef) |
| Action Taken | GD filed at Bogura Sadar Police Station |
| Possible Motive | Election-related smear campaign and financial extortion |
Election Tensions and Alleged Conspiracy
Speaking to Daily Karatoa, Mosharef said he has been facing “one conspiracy after another” as the national election draws nearer. According to him, the sudden surge of public support for the BNP symbol “Sheaf of Paddy” has caused “panic among conspirators”, who are now resorting to sophisticated digital misinformation tactics.
He claims that the extortionists demanded more than Tk 1 crore, threatening to release AI-generated obscene images featuring him with a woman. He believes such actions aim to socially humiliate him and mislead voters ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
An Expanding Trend in AI-Driven Political Manipulation
Cybersecurity experts note that the use of AI-generated deepfake content is rapidly becoming a tool for political blackmail in South Asia, enabling anonymous perpetrators to manufacture credible-looking materials within minutes. Law enforcement agencies nationwide have been cautioning political candidates about the rise of such tactics.
Police say the investigation will proceed under cybercrime provisions, and efforts are underway to trace the origin of the foreign number.
As tensions heighten in Bogura-4, the alleged threat underscores a growing concern: the intersection of artificial intelligence, misinformation and electoral politics—an emerging battleground where reputations can be destroyed with a single manipulated image.