Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) detained five people from different areas of the capital on allegations of spreading rumours through social media sites and news portals of coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Bangladesh.

DMP Additional Deputy Commissioner (Cyber security and crime division) Nazmul Islam confirmed the matter.

The five were detained on Thursday night from Arambagh, Maghbazar and Ramna areas of the capital for spreading rumours that coronavirus has reached Bangladesh and two people have already died from the infection.

The police officer said the detainees were spreading rumours using online portals ‘Dainik Khobor, ‘Tweet Bangla’, ‘Onno Alo’ and facebook IDs of Sheikh Rana and M A Hasnat Jamil. They will be released after counseling,

he said. Nazmul Islam said that police are yet to receive any credible information about anyone getting infected by coronavirus or anyone’s death from the infection in Dhaka or anywhere else in the country. Some people are spreading rumours, he added.

Nazmul Islam further said the police would take action under Digital Security Act for providing false information about coronavirus infection in the country, which causes serious worries among the people. End/Saugato