Indian media spreading misinformation to undermine Bangladesh’s democratic movement
New Delhi: Indian media outlets are consistently spreading misinformation about Bangladesh in a deliberate attempt to destabilize the country and discredit its student-led democratic movement.
According to Kashmir Media Service, following the ouster of the Hasina-led Awami League government, in order to bolster their propaganda, Indian media frequently platforms hawkish figures like retired General G.D. Bakhshi and other hardline commentators who peddle unfounded narratives and exaggerated claims. These individuals amplify Islamophobic rhetoric, portraying Bangladesh as a nation succumbing to “Islamist forces,” while accusing Pakistan and China of orchestrating the move.
This deliberate strategy serves to deflect attention from India’s internal issues and reinforce its hegemonic ambitions in the region.
Recent reports from Indian media claim that Pakistan’s ISI and the interim government of Bangladesh are collaborating to create groups like the Houthis and Hezbollah. However, local sources in Bangladesh have debunked these unsubstantiated claims as baseless propaganda.
Indian media’s Islamophobic portrayal of the student-led democratic movement in Bangladesh reflects New Delhi’s hybrid warfare strategy aimed at discrediting Bangladesh’s legitimate struggles for democracy. The movement, which drew participants from all walks of life, was a response to the oppressive and barbaric policies of the Awami League regime, not an “Islamist conspiracy” as falsely portrayed.
The deliberate manipulation of facts by Indian media underscores New Delhi’s concerns over losing a valuable ally in the subcontinent. This misinformation campaign also seeks to serve India’s broader geopolitical interests by maligning Pakistan and China while undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
Hindutva supporters in India have used the situation in Bangladesh to fuel anti-Muslim rhetoric, leveraging exaggerated claims about attacks on Hindu minorities to advance their narrow political agendas. Ironically, these narratives ignore the systemic oppression of minorities within India, including the persecution of Muslims, Christians, and Dalits.
India’s hybrid warfare in Bangladesh is not new but reflects its ongoing strategy to maintain influence in the region while countering China’s growing presence. Such actions undermine not only Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations but also regional stability, exposing India’s hypocrisy and hegemonic ambitions.
The international community must recognize and condemn India’s destabilizing tactics, which serve to fuel unrest in neighboring countries and distract from its own internal issues of human rights violations and political oppression.
