Media Disinformation Campaigns Strain Bangladesh-India Relations: A Case Study in Manipulated Narratives
The power of media to shape public perception is undeniable, especially in the delicate realm of international relations. However, when this power is abused to spread disinformation, the consequences can be severe, undermining trust and escalating tensions between nations. Recent interviews conducted by prominent Indian media outlets with Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser of Bangladesh, offer a stark illustration of how disinformation tactics are employed to construct a biased and damaging narrative against Bangladesh, focusing specifically on the alleged mistreatment of minorities. These orchestrated narratives, amplified by selective reporting and emotionally charged visuals, not only misrepresent the situation in Bangladesh but also serve a broader political agenda within India, further complicating the relationship between the two countries.
The interviews, aired on major networks like India Today and NDTV, employed a range of manipulative tactics to paint a picture of widespread religious persecution in Bangladesh. From the outset, the framing of the discussion was skewed, with Shafiqul Alam introduced as someone denying “Hindu hate,” thereby preemptively establishing the existence of such hate as a given. Leading questions, based on unsubstantiated claims of a “sharp rise” in attacks on minorities, further cemented this narrative, placing the interviewee on the defensive and hindering any attempt to present a balanced perspective. The absence of any evidentiary support for these claims transforms them from allegations requiring verification into seemingly established facts, a manipulation that is difficult to counter within the limited timeframe of a live interview.
The use of visuals further amplified the disinformation campaign. India Today, for example, displayed images and captions alleging religiously motivated violence, including the attack on Ramen Roy, a Supreme Court lawyer. The captions falsely linked Roy to Chinmoy Krishna Das, an ex-ISKCON monk, implying a religious motive behind the attack. In reality, the attack occurred during a political protest and was unrelated to religious tensions. This selective use of imagery, detached from its true context, effectively manipulated viewer sentiment and reinforced the false narrative of widespread anti-minority violence. By omitting crucial details and presenting isolated incidents as representative of a broader trend, these reports painted a distorted and inflammatory picture of the situation in Bangladesh.
This selective storytelling is a hallmark of disinformation campaigns. Claims about widespread burning of Hindu temples and mass resignations of Hindu teachers, presented without evidence, further distorted reality. While isolated incidents of vandalism may have occurred, they do not represent a systemic targeting of Hindus. Similarly, resignations within the police force and teaching profession were primarily linked to political factors, not religious discrimination. The NDTV interview, mirroring the tactics employed by India Today, showcased unrelated footage of past protests, misleading viewers into believing they were witnessing recent anti-minority unrest. This deliberate manipulation undermines the credibility of the interviewee and perpetuates the distorted narrative, further fueling misconceptions about the situation on the ground.
These disinformation campaigns are not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger, calculated strategy. Portraying Bangladesh as a hostile environment for minorities serves to bolster India’s self-image as a global protector of Hindus, a narrative that resonates with the Hindu nationalist agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, this approach is deeply counterproductive. By sowing mistrust and exacerbating tensions between the two countries, it undermines regional cooperation and stability. Bangladesh, which has consistently refuted these allegations, finds its international reputation tarnished by this campaign of misinformation. Moreover, this focus on external narratives serves as a distraction from pressing domestic issues within India, including rising communal violence and systemic discrimination against its own minority populations.
The decline of ethical journalism in India has contributed to the proliferation of such disinformation campaigns. While credible journalists continue to uphold the principles of journalistic integrity, their voices are increasingly drowned out by the clamor for sensationalism. The transformation of news media into a vehicle for propaganda rather than a platform for truth has eroded public trust and fueled social polarization. When media outlets prioritize sensationalism over accuracy, they not only betray their audience but also damage their nation’s credibility on the global stage. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort, with Indian media outlets recommitting themselves to evidence-based reporting and upholding the highest standards of journalistic ethics. Governments and regulatory bodies also have a crucial role to play in combating the spread of disinformation and promoting responsible media practices. Open communication and diplomatic initiatives between Bangladesh and India are essential to counter the damaging effects of these campaigns and foster a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. The manipulation of media narratives to advance political agendas undermines both journalism and diplomacy, ultimately harming the very interests it purports to serve. A commitment to truth and accuracy is paramount for a healthy media landscape and for fostering productive international relations.
