Pakistani President Faces Backlash for AI-Generated Bengali Message to Tarique Rahman

Islamabad / Dhaka, February 13, 2026: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari found himself at the center of a social media storm after a blunder in a Bengali-language congratulatory message to Bangladesh’s incoming Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

While Zardari’s original English message correctly praised Rahman for his “landslide victory” in Thursday’s national elections, the Bengali translation contained a significant error. The AI-generated translation, reportedly done using a tool such as ChatGPT or a similar platform, mistakenly converted “landslide victory” into “landslip,” a word that means “disaster” or “landslide” in the literal sense—turning a congratulatory note into an unintended faux pas.

AI Misstep Sparks Criticism

The message, released by Zardari’s office, attempted to commemorate BNP’s historic win. However, instead of properly conveying the triumph, the mistranslation quickly became a laughingstock on social media. Critics highlighted that while Zardari may not speak Bengali fluently, reliance solely on AI for such a sensitive message was a major oversight.

Historical Sensitivity Adds to Controversy

The timing of the error added to the controversy. February is observed in Bangladesh as “Mother Language Month”, honoring the 1952 martyrs who protested Pakistan’s imposition of Urdu over Bengali. Observers noted that Zardari’s office, by issuing a flawed Bengali message, inadvertently appeared insensitive to a deeply significant historical and cultural observance in Bangladesh.

English Message Remains Accurate

Zardari’s English-language congratulatory message was accurate, stating: “President Asif Ali Zardari congratulates Tarique Rahman on BNP’s impressive victory and extends best wishes to the people of Bangladesh for their successful, peaceful elections. Pakistan reiterates its strong support for democratic partnership and shared progress.”

Despite the English message being correct, the Bengali mistranslation has become a viral embarrassment, raising questions about AI reliance in diplomatic communications.