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Power Lens Bangladesh

Fact-Checking Methodology

How we choose claims to check, how we check them, and how we rate them.

Fact checks test specific claims against evidence. They are one of the fastest ways we can show readers what the record says, so they follow strict rules.

What we check

We check claims of fact made by politicians, officials, institutions, and viral posts on social media, when the claim:

  • can be tested against evidence,
  • matters to the public, and
  • could mislead people or cause harm if it is wrong.

We do not rate opinions, predictions, satire or purely personal statements.

How we choose claims

We use the same criteria for every party, government and public figure. We regularly review which claims we have checked, and from whom, to make sure that our selection is fair. Readers can also submit a claim.

The steps

  1. Identify the exact claim, who made it, when and where, and in what context.
  2. Ask for evidence. Where we can, we ask the person who made the claim for their source.
  3. Check primary sources: official data, documents, court records, and independent experts.
  4. Verify images and video: we check metadata, search for earlier versions and confirm the place and date.
  5. Rate the claim using the scale below.
  6. Review. An editor other than the fact-checker reviews the evidence and the rating before publication.

Our ratings

  • True: the claim is accurate and nothing significant is missing.
  • Mostly true: accurate on the main point, with minor errors or missing context.
  • Misleading: contains some truth, but leaves out or twists context so that it gives a false impression.
  • False: the evidence shows the claim is wrong.
  • Unverified: we could not confirm or disprove the claim with the evidence available.

What every fact check shows

Each one shows the claim, who made it and where, the evidence with links to sources, the rating and the reasons for it, the date, and any update. We publish the underlying evidence so that readers can check the result themselves.

Updates and corrections

If new evidence appears, we update the rating and note the change on the page. If we make a mistake, we correct it under our corrections policy. A person or organisation who disagrees with a rating can complain.