Viral Photo of Sri Lankan Protesters Misattributed to Bangladesh Crisis

In a case of digital misinformation, a photograph from Sri Lanka's 2022 protests has been erroneously attributed to recent events in Bangladesh. The image, which depicts demonstrators reclining on a bed in a presidential residence, has been circulating with an inaccurate caption suggesting it shows scenes from Sheikh Hasina's bedroom during the August 2024 protests in Bangladesh.

The photograph in question was actually captured on July 10, 2022, by Reuters photographer Dinuka Liyanawatte. It showcases protesters occupying the bed of then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka's presidential palace. This event was part of a larger uprising that forced Rajapaksa to flee the country amidst a severe economic crisis.

Sri Lanka, an island nation with a population of approximately 22 million, has faced significant economic challenges in recent years. The country's economy, which heavily relies on tourism and tea exports, experienced a major downturn in 2022, leading to widespread protests and political instability.

The misattributed image gained traction in August 2024, coinciding with political turmoil in Bangladesh. On August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, resigned and fled to India following weeks of deadly protests. These demonstrations initially began as opposition to government job quotas but evolved into a movement demanding her resignation.

Bangladesh, one of the world's most densely populated countries, has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years. However, it continues to face challenges, including vulnerability to natural disasters and ongoing efforts to reduce poverty rates.

It's crucial to note that while both countries have experienced political unrest, the events and images are distinct. The spread of this miscaptioned photo underscores the importance of fact-checking in the digital age, where misinformation can rapidly outpace factual corrections.

"This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our fact-checking work."

Reuters, one of the world's largest news agencies founded in 1851, maintains a dedicated fact-checking team to combat the spread of misinformation. Their verdict on this matter is clear: the photo is miscaptioned and shows protesters at Sri Lanka's presidential palace in 2022, not Sheikh Hasina's residence during the 2024 protests in Bangladesh.

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for media literacy and the verification of information before sharing, especially during times of political upheaval and social unrest.