Bangladesh accuses Indian media of disinformation campaign
Dhaka says false narratives threaten democracy, minority safety perceptions and electoral process as country prepares post-Hasina transition
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh’s interim administration has accused Indian media outlets and the ousted Awami League of running a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at destabilizing the country during a sensitive political transition, warning that false narratives are undermining democratic recovery and international perceptions.
Speaking at a policy forum on misinformation and governance, the government’s press wing said misleading reports originating both domestically and abroad — particularly from India — have intensified in recent months, portraying Bangladesh as unstable and unsafe, especially for religious minorities.
Officials said the narratives gained traction following the collapse of the Awami League government, at a time when authorities claim they are preparing the ground for democratic restoration and credible elections after years of authoritarian rule.
“These narratives are not accidental,” said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Bangladesh’s chief adviser. He alleged that major Indian newspapers and television channels have circulated unverified or false claims about Bangladesh’s internal situation, describing the coverage as persistent and politically motivated.
Alam said the disinformation seeks to create an external impression that minorities would face violence or persecution even if democratic rule returns — a claim the government rejects. Such portrayals, he argued, risk damaging Bangladesh’s diplomatic standing and weakening confidence in its transition process.
Analysts note that information warfare has become a key battleground in South Asia, particularly when governments undergo abrupt political change. Bangladesh’s interim authorities appear to be positioning the issue as not merely a media dispute, but as a national security and sovereignty concern linked to foreign influence and internal political interests.
The warning comes as Bangladesh attempts to distance itself from the legacy of the Sheikh Hasina–era governance, which human rights organizations had repeatedly accused of suppressing dissent, manipulating media ecosystems and weaponizing state narratives against opponents. Officials argue that disinformation campaigns now exploit those fractured media conditions to shape opinion beyond Bangladesh’s borders.
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