Argentina to Brazil: Bangladesh Police Officer Faces Action After AI Changes on Arrested Drug Dealer's Shirt

The FIFA World Cup fever is on, and in Bangladesh, the rivalry of Brazil and Argentina is unmatched in the nation. Fans are often vocal about their favourite teams and it is part of immense pride among the fanatics.

And recently, a policeman in Bangladesh has headlined the country for all the wrong reasons, rooted from the love for the game and love for Argentina!

What began as a routine police arrest in Bangladesh has unexpectedly turned into an online talking point-not because of the alleged crime, but because of a digitally altered football jersey.

Bangladesh Police uses AI to alter Criminal's Shirt

A police officer in Barishal is facing disciplinary action after allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to edit an official photograph of an arrested suspect before it was released to the media. The unusual move, which replaced an Argentina jersey with a Brazil jersey, has triggered widespread criticism and renewed discussions about the use of AI in official communications.

The incident took place on Monday after police arrested 35-year-old Russell Hawlader, an alleged drug dealer, during a raid in Mohammadpur Colony in Ward 5 of Barishal city.

According to local reports, Sub-Inspector Tanzil Ahmed of the Barishal Metropolitan Police (BMP) used an AI-powered editing tool to modify the image of the suspect, swapping the Argentina football shirt he was wearing for a Brazil jersey. The edited photograph was then distributed to journalists via email and shared through the BMP's official media WhatsApp group.

The alteration, however, did not go unnoticed.

Football fans on social media quickly spotted inconsistencies in the image, with many pointing out signs of AI manipulation. As screenshots of the edited photograph spread online, criticism mounted over the decision to digitally modify an official police image, regardless of the reason behind it.

Facing growing backlash, the Barishal Metropolitan Police withdrew the edited version and reissued the original, unaltered photograph along with the official details of the arrest.

Tanzil Ahmed has been Suspended

The fallout has since reached the department itself. Police authorities have served SI Tanzil Ahmed with a show-cause notice and removed him from his role overseeing the BMP media WhatsApp group. Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Ashik Sayeed said the officer has been asked to explain his actions within three days, after which a decision on further disciplinary measures will be taken.

According to reports, the officer admitted to making the alteration. He reportedly told his superiors that he believed replacing the Argentina jersey with a Brazil shirt would attract greater public attention at a time when excitement around Brazil's FIFA World Cup campaign was at its peak.

While the incident may appear unusual, it has sparked a more serious conversation about the growing use of artificial intelligence in public institutions.

In terms of the World Cup, Brazil have qualified for the Round of 16 and will take on Norway. On the other hand, Argentina will be up against Cape Verde in their Round of 32 encounter on Friday (July 3).