Maasranga TV Instagram Viral Video Sparks Controversy in Bangladesh
A controversy erupted in Bangladesh after objectionable videos featuring the likenesses of actresses Mehazabien Chowdhury and Pori Moni appeared on the official Instagram account of Maasranga Television on October 13, 2026.
The unexpected posts drew widespread attention online and raised questions about the security of the television channel’s social media account. The incident also sparked concern about the misuse of artificial intelligence to create fabricated videos involving well-known personalities.
Maasranga Television said its Instagram account had been hacked and that the videos were published without authorisation. The channel later reported recovering control of the account and removing the content.
Were the Viral Videos Real?
No. According to Bangladesh fact-checking organisation Rumor Scanner, the videos were manipulated rather than authentic recordings of the two actresses.
The investigation found that face-swapping technology had been used to place the actresses’ faces onto footage featuring other people. The resulting videos falsely portrayed the women as participating in activities they had not been shown to perform in authentic recordings.
Rumor Scanner traced the underlying footage but deliberately did not publish links to the explicit source material.
The finding is important because viral posts can be mistaken for genuine evidence, particularly when familiar faces are inserted into realistic-looking videos. In this case, the circulating clips should not be treated as authentic footage of either actress.
What Did Maasranga Television Say?
Maasranga Television said its official Instagram account had been compromised during the early hours of October 13.
According to the channel’s statement, fake images and videos created through the misuse of artificial intelligence were uploaded to the account. The organisation said it worked with relevant authorities, including Bangladesh’s Cyber Crime Investigation Department, the telecommunications regulator and local police, to recover access.
The channel subsequently removed the objectionable posts, expressed regret over the incident and said it would take legal action.
The incident attracted additional scrutiny because other news content reportedly continued appearing on the account while the problematic videos remained visible. Maasranga later explained that its Instagram account was linked to its Facebook page, allowing regular news posts to appear automatically. The channel said its access to the advertising-management system had complicated efforts to remove all the videos immediately.
Mehazabien Chowdhury Speaks Out
Bangladeshi actress Mehazabien Chowdhury publicly criticised the creation and circulation of fabricated AI content using people’s identities.
In a Facebook post published on October 15, she questioned why humiliating another person had become a way for some people to earn money or attract attention online.
She also criticised users who knowingly shared the material, arguing that the harm extended beyond the person who initially created the fake content. Every repost, comment or attempt to spread the clips could expose the fabricated material to a wider audience.
Her response brought further attention to the consequences of AI-generated impersonation, including reputational harm, harassment and violations of personal dignity.
Pori Moni Also Caught Up in the Controversy
Actress Pori Moni was also affected by the circulation of manipulated content using her likeness.
The incident generated online speculation and prompted discussions about the responsibility of social media platforms, content publishers and people who share unverified material.
It is important to distinguish the confirmed fact-check findings from unrelated claims attributed to the actress. Rumor Scanner also identified a separate fake social media graphic that falsely attributed a political threat to Pori Moni. The fact-checking organisation reported that she had not made the statement shown in that graphic.
Why Has the Incident Raised Concerns About AI Deepfakes?
AI face-swapping tools can make it possible to insert someone’s face into footage in which they never appeared. When used maliciously, the technology can create convincing but false material that damages a person’s reputation.
The Maasranga TV incident illustrates how manipulated content can spread rapidly when it appears on an established media account. Viewers may initially assume that a post published through a familiar channel has been verified.
The controversy also highlights the need for stronger account security, rapid incident response and responsible sharing practices.
People who encounter suspected deepfake content should check reliable fact-checking reports, avoid reposting it and report material that appears to violate someone’s privacy.
Is the Maasranga TV Viral Video Still Available?
Maasranga Television said the videos had been removed after the account was recovered. Rumor Scanner also documented the manipulated nature of the clips.
Anyone searching for the story should be cautious of accounts claiming to offer the original, complete or uncensored videos. Such claims may lead to misleading reposts, scams or f
