According to data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), 19.2% of the country's total population lives below the poverty line. Within this percentage, the poverty rate in urban areas stands at 16.5%, whereas in rural regions, it exceeds 20%. This statistical information has been widely reported by various news outlets, both within Bangladesh and internationally.
Indian media outlet 'Zee 24 Ghanta' published a report highlighting these figures. To visually represent the economic situation of Bangladesh, the report included a photograph, which was also shared on Zee 24 Ghanta’s official Facebook page. The news article was published on Friday, February 31, at 11:30 PM, and shortly after, the image was posted on their social media. Additionally, a Bangladeshi news outlet named 'Ajker Daily' also covered the same story, using the identical photograph in their report, which was published on the same day. The image in question features a group of children standing in a line, holding plates and bowls in their hands.
To determine the authenticity of the image, a reverse image search was conducted. The results revealed that the same photograph had appeared in a previous report by U.S.-based news outlet CNBC. This particular report was published on March 19, 2021. Further analysis of the video associated with that report confirmed that the image was originally captured in 2020. The photo depicted a moment following the relaxation of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in New Delhi, India, showing children from a slum queuing up to receive free food.
