, Jan. 29 -- Widespread misinformation surrounding Saint Martin's, Bangladesh's only coral island, has triggered public confusion, with officials dismissing claims that the island is being handed over to a foreign power or converted into a military base.

For months, misleading posts, videos and political statements circulating on social media have alleged foreign control or militarisation of the island.

Edited images of warships, old videos from joint military drills and night-time visuals showing fire or light have been falsely portrayed as evidence of foreign military activity.

Authorities say these claims are entirely baseless and unsupported by facts.

The speculation escalated following the government's restriction on tourism to p...