- Bangladesh accuses Indian media of deliberate propaganda against its interim government.
- Indian Foreign Secretary’s denial is seen as an attempt to cover up media manipulation.
- International journalists criticize Indian media’s biased portrayal of Bangladesh.
- Bangladesh demands India stop meddling with its internal affairs through media manipulation.
- Tensions rise as misinformation continues to affect diplomatic relations.
On February 3, 2025, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, slammed Indian media for its ongoing campaign of disinformation against Bangladesh’s interim government. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, Alam revealed the damaging effect of these media tactics on both Bangladesh’s image and its diplomatic relationship with India.
The accusations come amid rising concerns over the false and harmful narratives that Indian media outlets have been pushing about Bangladesh. Alam’s statements mark a growing realization that India’s media is deliberately misrepresenting Bangladesh’s political situation to further its own agenda.
Indian Foreign Secretary’s Denial of Media Interference
Alam’s comments directly followed Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent statement in Bangladesh. Misri, when asked about media reports, denied any involvement by the Indian government in spreading disinformation. He emphasized that Indian media operates freely, with no government control over its editorial decisions.
However, Bangladesh has strongly rejected this claim. Alam and other officials argued that the consistent narrative against Bangladesh in Indian media shows a clear pattern. They believe this disinformation isn’t just a result of independent media, but part of a larger, organized effort against Bangladesh’s government.
Alam firmly stated, “The Indian government may deny interference, but we clearly see a pattern in the media’s manipulation of facts.” He believes this isn’t a coincidence, but a deliberate attempt to destabilize Bangladesh’s political environment.
International Journalists Speak Out Against Indian Media’s Bias
Accusations against the Indian media were strongly supported by international journalists at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, was present during the discussions. Journalists who knew Yunus and were familiar with Bangladesh’s political scene criticized the biased reports from Indian media.
They argued that the coverage did not reflect the real situation in Bangladesh. Instead, the media often fabricated stories to cast a negative light on the interim government. One journalist stated, “It’s clear that Indian media is spreading falsehoods to create an unstable image of Bangladesh.”
This concern was shared by many at the WEF. Attendees agreed that such biased portrayals could harm the trust and relations between India and Bangladesh. Both countries play crucial roles in the South Asian region, and these media portrayals could damage their bond.
Bangladesh’s Strong Rejection of Media Manipulation
Bangladesh has had enough of the media’s role in creating unnecessary tensions. In response to the disinformation, the Bangladeshi government has urged India to take responsibility for the actions of its media, which it sees as deliberately distorting facts and spreading misinformation.
In his briefing, Alam demanded that India stop using its media as a tool to destabilize Bangladesh. He emphasized that while media outlets are free to report, they must do so with accountability and accuracy, as misinformation can have dire consequences for diplomatic ties.
“India’s media manipulation is not a mistake. It is a deliberate attack on Bangladesh’s sovereignty,” Alam said. “The government of Bangladesh urges the Indian leadership to stop this media war and focus on diplomacy instead.”
Concerns Over Minority Safety and Political Stability in Bangladesh
One of the main narratives pushed by Indian media has been allegations of increased threats to religious minorities under Bangladesh’s interim government. Indian reports often suggest that the government has been unable to protect minorities from alleged violence or persecution. However, the Bangladeshi government has rejected these claims as grossly exaggerated and part of a larger disinformation campaign to discredit the administration.
Alam pointed out that the situation in Bangladesh is far from what Indian media portrays. The government has robust mechanisms in place to protect the rights and safety of all citizens, including religious minorities.
“The safety of minorities in Bangladesh is paramount, and our government ensures their protection,” Alam said. “Indian media is simply creating a false narrative to paint Bangladesh in a bad light.”
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
As these media-driven tensions continue, diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India are becoming increasingly strained. The Indian government’s refusal to acknowledge its media’s role in the disinformation campaign is only exacerbating the situation. Despite this, both governments are still seeking ways to engage in dialogue to prevent further deterioration of bilateral relations.
However, the damage done by Indian media’s false narratives cannot be overlooked. Bangladesh insists that it is in India’s best interest to stop these harmful media practices, as they ultimately undermine the very relationship both countries have worked hard to build.
India Must Address Media Manipulation
The ongoing media war waged by Indian outlets against Bangladesh’s interim government has become a serious diplomatic issue. Bangladesh has strongly condemned these actions and continues to call for responsible and accurate reporting from Indian media. It’s clear that this issue is not simply about media freedom but about the deliberate spread of misinformation with the intent to destabilize Bangladesh.
Moving forward, Bangladesh urges India to take responsibility for its media’s role in this crisis and to focus on fostering a positive and truthful relationship between the two nations. The future of Bangladesh-India relations depends on ending the media-driven misinformation and prioritizing diplomacy over false narratives.