Ajker Patrika did not publish any photocard about Rumeen Farhana's illness

A medical prescription supposedly belonging to former Member of Parliament and politician Barrister Rumeen Farhana was circulated on social media, accompanied by graphic cards featuring logo from prominent mainstream media outlet (1, 2). However, the claim was not true and the photocard was fake.

A photo card bearing the logo of a daily newspaper, Ajker Patrika emerged on social media, stating “BNP leader Rumeen Farhana is suffering from severe depression and mental illness.” The card featured the name of Psychiatrist Professor Dr. Brigadier General Md. Azizul Islam and was dated October 28. This medical document was also shared online without any newspaper logo.

The prescription attributed to Rumeen Farhana outlined various depressive symptoms, including suicidal tendencies. Dr. Azizul Islam indicated in the prescription that the individual experiencing these symptoms was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Upon inquiry, Sahidul Islam Chowdhury, deputy editor of Daily Ajker Patrika, clarified, “This photo card is not affiliated with Ajker Patrika.” Furthermore, Rumeen Farhana herself confirmed to Dismislab that the leaked medical report was indeed fake.

In response to the circulation of these medical reports, Dr. Brigadier General Md. Azizul Islam, a physician at Square Hospital, was contacted through his Facebook page. He categorically stated that the prescription did not originate from him and was unequivocally fake.