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[🇧🇩] Is India trying to destabilize the current interim government of Bangladesh to bring back Hasina?
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Concerted propaganda campaign underway not only in India, but also across the world: Foreign adviser
Foreign adviser to the interim government Md Touhid Hossain said Indian media is very unhappy because of the mass uprising in Bangladesh.
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Concerted propaganda campaign underway not only in India, but also across the world: Foreign adviser
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 02 Dec 2024, 00: 29
Md Touhid Hossain Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Foreign adviser to the interim government Md Touhid Hossain Sunday remarked that the Indian media is very unhappy because of the mass uprising in Bangladesh.
He further said that the Indian media is trying to prove that the minorities face repression in Bangladesh and a Taliban-like government is coming to power, but such negative propaganda will bring nothing good for both Bangladesh and India.
Touhid Hossain made the remarks while addressing an event on the occasion of 30th founding anniversary of the private think tank Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) at the BRAC Centre Inn in the capital’s Mohakahi today.
The foreign adviser said “The media, especially the Indian media, is very unhappy because of the mass uprising. Currently, coordinated propaganda campaigns are being carried out, not only in India but also across the world. The Indian media wants to prove that repression is on against the minorities in Bangladesh. And, a government like that of the Taliban in Afghanistan is coming to power here. That is very unfair.”
People in Bangladesh think they are being victimised despite making no mistakes, Touhid Hossain said, adding that the negative side of this is that this will bring nothing good for Bangladesh or India.
Since the CPD has a good connection outside South Asia, the think tank can maximise it to present what Bangladesh is doing and the real scenario within Bangladesh.
Addressing the event, Farooq Sobhan, distinguished fellow and board member of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), said South Asia is passing through a crucial time in regional cooperation.
The BBIN Initiative joins Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, and it must be accepted that this initiative is going to face a challenge when it comes to the Bangladesh-India bilateral relations, he added.
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 02 Dec 2024, 00: 29
Md Touhid Hossain Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Foreign adviser to the interim government Md Touhid Hossain Sunday remarked that the Indian media is very unhappy because of the mass uprising in Bangladesh.
He further said that the Indian media is trying to prove that the minorities face repression in Bangladesh and a Taliban-like government is coming to power, but such negative propaganda will bring nothing good for both Bangladesh and India.
Touhid Hossain made the remarks while addressing an event on the occasion of 30th founding anniversary of the private think tank Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) at the BRAC Centre Inn in the capital’s Mohakahi today.
The foreign adviser said “The media, especially the Indian media, is very unhappy because of the mass uprising. Currently, coordinated propaganda campaigns are being carried out, not only in India but also across the world. The Indian media wants to prove that repression is on against the minorities in Bangladesh. And, a government like that of the Taliban in Afghanistan is coming to power here. That is very unfair.”
People in Bangladesh think they are being victimised despite making no mistakes, Touhid Hossain said, adding that the negative side of this is that this will bring nothing good for Bangladesh or India.
Since the CPD has a good connection outside South Asia, the think tank can maximise it to present what Bangladesh is doing and the real scenario within Bangladesh.
Addressing the event, Farooq Sobhan, distinguished fellow and board member of Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), said South Asia is passing through a crucial time in regional cooperation.
The BBIN Initiative joins Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, and it must be accepted that this initiative is going to face a challenge when it comes to the Bangladesh-India bilateral relations, he added.
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We must unite to expose their falsehoods: Yunus
Chief adviser asks political parties to unite against 'immense powers', warns against missteps
We must unite to expose their falsehoods: Yunus
Chief adviser asks political parties to unite against 'immense powers', warns against missteps
Photos: PID
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today urged all political forces of the country to unite and fight the "falsehood" that certain forces are spreading.
Prof Yunus thanked the delegations of political parties who responded to his call and said, "Through the uprising of students and the masses, we managed to lift the crushing stone off our chest. We celebrated victory. In the month of victory, we should be celebrating more, rejoicing more."
Yunus made these comments at a meeting at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon, where delegations of several political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, were present.
The chief adviser said, "We created a free and independent Bangladesh through an uprising. They [certain forces] want to erase it and return to the past.
However, he said the achievement did not sit well with certain powers.
"But it seems our freedom and independence are not sitting well with some people. Various efforts are being made to stall our progress. Since August 5, you've witnessed how it is unfolding.
"We had anticipated that there might be trouble surrounding Durga Puja, and for that too, we called for unity. You joined us in that unity. Puja was celebrated peacefully across the country. There were no disturbances, no hateful comments, nothing. But even that did not please certain quarters," Yunus said.
The chief adviser said, "Now, they are trying again, in new ways. The situation we are currently facing is why this meeting has been called.
"The Bangladesh we are aiming to build is being overshadowed by a fabricated narrative. They are relentlessly outlining a different version of our country."
He added that the misinformation is now not coming from just one country.
"This is not limited to just one country. It has spread to certain major global powers. Since our great uprising has displeased some, they want to erase it, hide it."
"We must unite to prove their falsehoods wrong and establish the truth. This is not about a specific political ideology; it concerns our existence as a nation. Their power is immense -- the power of money and organisation. They are even able to draw people into their fabricated narrative. They continue to spin new stories from there," added Prof Yunus.
In the face of such adversities, he urged unity.
"We must tell the world that we are united. We drove out those who silenced us. We are open, and free. This is a significant factor in the journey of the new Bangladesh. We have called you here to discuss how we can move forward collectively. There is no room for missteps in this process."
Chief adviser asks political parties to unite against 'immense powers', warns against missteps
Photos: PID
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today urged all political forces of the country to unite and fight the "falsehood" that certain forces are spreading.
Prof Yunus thanked the delegations of political parties who responded to his call and said, "Through the uprising of students and the masses, we managed to lift the crushing stone off our chest. We celebrated victory. In the month of victory, we should be celebrating more, rejoicing more."
Yunus made these comments at a meeting at the Foreign Service Academy this afternoon, where delegations of several political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, were present.
The chief adviser said, "We created a free and independent Bangladesh through an uprising. They [certain forces] want to erase it and return to the past.
However, he said the achievement did not sit well with certain powers.
"But it seems our freedom and independence are not sitting well with some people. Various efforts are being made to stall our progress. Since August 5, you've witnessed how it is unfolding.
"We had anticipated that there might be trouble surrounding Durga Puja, and for that too, we called for unity. You joined us in that unity. Puja was celebrated peacefully across the country. There were no disturbances, no hateful comments, nothing. But even that did not please certain quarters," Yunus said.
The chief adviser said, "Now, they are trying again, in new ways. The situation we are currently facing is why this meeting has been called.
"The Bangladesh we are aiming to build is being overshadowed by a fabricated narrative. They are relentlessly outlining a different version of our country."
He added that the misinformation is now not coming from just one country.
"This is not limited to just one country. It has spread to certain major global powers. Since our great uprising has displeased some, they want to erase it, hide it."
"We must unite to prove their falsehoods wrong and establish the truth. This is not about a specific political ideology; it concerns our existence as a nation. Their power is immense -- the power of money and organisation. They are even able to draw people into their fabricated narrative. They continue to spin new stories from there," added Prof Yunus.
In the face of such adversities, he urged unity.
"We must tell the world that we are united. We drove out those who silenced us. We are open, and free. This is a significant factor in the journey of the new Bangladesh. We have called you here to discuss how we can move forward collectively. There is no room for missteps in this process."
Saif
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We must respond firmly to the anti-Bangladesh campaign in India
National unity needed to expose falsehoods
We must respond firmly to the anti-Bangladesh campaign in India
National unity needed to expose falsehoods
VISUAL: STAR
The recent attacks and disruptions targeting Bangladesh's diplomatic missions in India have provoked justifiable anger from government officials, politicians, student leaders, and the public alike. Emotions are running high—as evidenced by the barrage of street protests in Dhaka and elsewhere—but so is the case in India. It is precisely during times like this that cooler heads need to prevail. We agree with the Indian high commissioner that Indo-Bangla ties cannot be reduced to a single issue. But this is a mess of India's own making, and to extricate itself from it and stabilise bilateral relations, it must help prevent the disinformation campaign over "minority persecution" that is fuelling unrest. And it must stop demonising Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, too, needs to frame its own response properly, and fast, given the continued fallout of the arrest of Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, with reports emerging of anti-Bangladesh posturing in different parts of India as well as hostile mobilisations along the border. It must be acknowledged that people in Bangladesh have shown commendable restraint so far, despite provocations. But much more needs to be done. The first priority is to reaffirm our commitment to national unity and continue showing restraint. Chief Advisor Prof Muhammad Yunus's initiation of dialogue with the leaders of student, political and religious bodies shows a constructive approach to this crisis, which will hopefully further consolidate our response.
Unity is also needed to highlight our pluralistic character in the face of the disinformation campaign run by sections of Indian media, which Hindutva groups and parties have been exploiting to rally domestic support and destabilise Bangladesh since the ouster of India's favoured leader, Sheikh Hasina. In this regard, the role of our religious leaders, particularly those from Hindu community, is particularly important as they can promote a collective vision of coexistence by debunking the false narrative of persecution and showcasing their commitment to national sovereignty. The authorities, at the same time, must take stricter measures to address any rights concerns of minority communities. Official investigations into past violence against minorities must also be more visible and result-oriented.
But perhaps the most important thing to do now is streamline efforts to counter the systemic propaganda on India's side, through a public relations cell if needed. In recent days, we have seen reports on circulation of posts, pictures, and videos that have later been proven to be false. In fact, such attempts have been ongoing since August 5 to exaggerate isolated incidents of minority attacks in order to bolster the narrative of persecution. Unfortunately, the Indian media continues to be a reference point for the Western media and India-linked politicians. This calls for a better response from Bangladesh so that our side of the story gets the coverage it deserves. To that end, more investigative and fact-checking initiatives will help.
The challenge we face is clearly multifaceted. But we must remain united and say no to any divisive tactics. The anti-Bangladesh and anti-Muslim politics in India will likely lose steam if we continue to be vigilant. The Indian authorities, for their part, must match their commitment to constructive bilateral relations with meaningful actions that de-escalate tensions, so that we can move forward together.
National unity needed to expose falsehoods
VISUAL: STAR
The recent attacks and disruptions targeting Bangladesh's diplomatic missions in India have provoked justifiable anger from government officials, politicians, student leaders, and the public alike. Emotions are running high—as evidenced by the barrage of street protests in Dhaka and elsewhere—but so is the case in India. It is precisely during times like this that cooler heads need to prevail. We agree with the Indian high commissioner that Indo-Bangla ties cannot be reduced to a single issue. But this is a mess of India's own making, and to extricate itself from it and stabilise bilateral relations, it must help prevent the disinformation campaign over "minority persecution" that is fuelling unrest. And it must stop demonising Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, too, needs to frame its own response properly, and fast, given the continued fallout of the arrest of Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, with reports emerging of anti-Bangladesh posturing in different parts of India as well as hostile mobilisations along the border. It must be acknowledged that people in Bangladesh have shown commendable restraint so far, despite provocations. But much more needs to be done. The first priority is to reaffirm our commitment to national unity and continue showing restraint. Chief Advisor Prof Muhammad Yunus's initiation of dialogue with the leaders of student, political and religious bodies shows a constructive approach to this crisis, which will hopefully further consolidate our response.
Unity is also needed to highlight our pluralistic character in the face of the disinformation campaign run by sections of Indian media, which Hindutva groups and parties have been exploiting to rally domestic support and destabilise Bangladesh since the ouster of India's favoured leader, Sheikh Hasina. In this regard, the role of our religious leaders, particularly those from Hindu community, is particularly important as they can promote a collective vision of coexistence by debunking the false narrative of persecution and showcasing their commitment to national sovereignty. The authorities, at the same time, must take stricter measures to address any rights concerns of minority communities. Official investigations into past violence against minorities must also be more visible and result-oriented.
But perhaps the most important thing to do now is streamline efforts to counter the systemic propaganda on India's side, through a public relations cell if needed. In recent days, we have seen reports on circulation of posts, pictures, and videos that have later been proven to be false. In fact, such attempts have been ongoing since August 5 to exaggerate isolated incidents of minority attacks in order to bolster the narrative of persecution. Unfortunately, the Indian media continues to be a reference point for the Western media and India-linked politicians. This calls for a better response from Bangladesh so that our side of the story gets the coverage it deserves. To that end, more investigative and fact-checking initiatives will help.
The challenge we face is clearly multifaceted. But we must remain united and say no to any divisive tactics. The anti-Bangladesh and anti-Muslim politics in India will likely lose steam if we continue to be vigilant. The Indian authorities, for their part, must match their commitment to constructive bilateral relations with meaningful actions that de-escalate tensions, so that we can move forward together.
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Why India should address the misinformation campaign against Bangladesh
India is applying its own framework of sectarian politics to interpret and represent Bangladesh.
Why India should address the misinformation campaign against Bangladesh
The relationship between Bangladesh and India is undeniably getting strained. Recent events reflect that tensions are continuing to rise. On December 2, over 50 protesters reportedly entered the premises of the Bangladesh mission in Tripura's Agartala and vandalised it, violating the Vienna Convention. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the action was "regrettable," and ramped up security at all of Bangladesh's diplomatic missions around the country; however, uncertainty remains regarding what lies ahead. On December 3, the All Tripura Hotels and Restaurant Owners Association announced a temporary ban on serving Bangladeshi tourists, citing the mistreatment of minorities in Bangladesh. Earlier, ILS Hospital, a multi-specialty private hospital, announced that it would not treat any patients from Bangladesh, protesting against "atrocities on minorities" in the neighbouring country. The events point to an escalation of anti-Bangladesh sentiments on the Indian side, fostered by a misinformation campaign in sections of the Indian media and government.
For context, tensions have further simmered since the arrest of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari at Dhaka airport on sedition charges, and the subsequent killing of Saiful Islam Alif, a lawyer and assistant public prosecutor who was fatally attacked with sharp objects during protests after Das was denied bail in Chattogram. Arnab Goswami's Republic TV falsely reported the incident claiming, "Muslim lawyer representing ISKCON Chinmoy Das killed," which went viral, spreading through legions of trolls and social media users, using the post to further demonise Bangladesh. Fact-checking by the chief adviser's press wing revealed that the lawyer representing Das was Subasish Sharma. Among those arrested for Alif's murder, two men, Zia Uddin Fahim and Rajiv Bhattacharya alias Suman, were affiliated with Chhatra League, Awami League's student wing. Sheikh Hasina also used the attack on the lawyer to state that the Yunus regime "fails to punish these terrorists." The Indian media are, in many ways, aligned with Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League's false rhetoric.
'Mamata Banerjee calls for UN peacekeepers in Bangladesh amid anti-Hindu violence." The industrial scale of exaggeration regarding Bangladesh has followed a premise that can be summed up with a line plucked out of the aforementioned article: "Since Sheikh Hasina's resignation as Bangladesh's Prime Minister following violent protests, the country has witnessed increasing violence against Hindus." The wording encompasses the narrative that the Awami League—which was elected through a farce of an election—uses to delegitimise the democratic movement that saw the end of its fascist governance. The truth is conveniently warped: Sheikh Hasina unleashed deadly violence on peaceful protesters (which included shooting them on sight), killing hundreds of students.
The December 2 incident in Agartala followed days after a protest by Bongio Hindu Jagran group. Seeking the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das, protesters gathered to express grievances to the deputy Bangladesh high commissioner in Kolkata. Few representatives were allowed to enter the Deputy High Commission. According to The Hindu, Acharya Sanjay Shastri, after submitting a request to the assistant deputy high commissioner, said, "They have listened to our grievances. They have assured us that they will carry our voices to the Bangladesh government." Large sections of the Indian media left out this segment of the events that transpired when reporting on the clash and the burning of the Bangladesh flag in Kolkata.
Misinformation (the inadvertent sharing of false or misleading information) and disinformation (the deliberate dissemination of falsehoods to deceive) have been a pervasive problem, especially as India continues to voice its concerns regarding Bangladesh ever since the ouster of the Awami League government. The exaggeration of attacks on Hindu minorities to provoke the public, drawing parallels with Gaza and Ukraine from sections of the Indian government, serve to further strain the relationship between the two nations. With social media playing a huge role in global politics, the most terrifying aspect of disinformation is that it is shared and consumed in a decentralised manner, where asking social media platforms to fix the crisis has not helped any nation. The anti-Bangladesh sentiment has already spread to the US President-elect Donald Trump, who used it before the election to gain votes. It is also being embraced by members of parliament in the United Kingdom. On December 2, Labour MP Barry Gardiner embraced the AL narrative referring to the shooting of unarmed citizens as "riots," and misrepresented Bangladesh as an "Islamic state," aligning with the Islamophobic rhetoric put forth by the Indian media that Bangladesh is the "next Afghanistan."
According to the 2024 World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report, India is the leading country in terms of misinformation and disinformation prevalence. Per the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN), research into disinformation and misinformation says that the more individuals are exposed to falsehoods, the greater the likelihood they are to believe them, even when the information contradicts their existing beliefs. This alarming trend in the spread of misinformation has led to increased political, religious and social polarisation and unrest in India. Fourteen Indian nationals—identifying as "left-wing" or "secular"—interviewed by The Daily Star expressed concern regarding the presence of Sheikh Hasina in India, the incendiary language used by Indian television hosts, and what that means for India's own democracy under what they called "a far-right government, which embraces communal politics" and "division across religious lines."
The misinformation machine in India has the potential to wreak havoc in Bangladesh with Indian media channels operating at a global scale. In 2019, the EU DisinfoLab identified a network of at least 265 coordinated fake local media outlets operating in over 65 countries, which have links with India. By 2020, the network had grown to include 750 fake news websites spanning 116 countries. A section of the Indian media, such as The Quint, has itself addressed the issue of misinformation. Articles were published fact-checking the wildfire spread of fake news regarding the violence against minorities which took away attention from the violence that did actually take place, leaving minorities in a more vulnerable position.
India is applying its own framework of sectarian politics to interpret and represent Bangladesh, a nation that has historically had a legacy of cultural diversity and coexistence. The antagonistic perspective disregards the nuanced reality of Bangladesh, even amid the widespread religious tensions that characterise much of South Asia. In her seminal work The Clash Within: Democracy, Religious Violence, and India's Future, scholar Martha Nussbaum delves into the complexities of religious extremism and its threat to India's secular democracy leading to demonisation of minorities. Using the same template to understand the party politics in Bangladesh is unproductive and goes beyond misinformation, as Indian establishments fall short of seeing the nuanced politics and forces at play in Bangladesh, regardless of the source that is used to produce news.
Eminent Indian journalist Salil Tripathi critiques India's diplomatic strategy for its heavy reliance on individual leaders, investment into the former leader of Bangladesh, and for overlooking broader spectrum of Bangladeshi society. India's approach, along with misplaced concerns and deeply entrenched culture of misinformation in India poses challenges for bilateral relations. The dynamics of bilateral relations warrant deeper examination, particularly the resistance to calls for an equal partnership and a meaningful voice in foreign policy decisions. As the most powerful nation in the region and an aspiring superpower, India wields significant influence over regional resources, but this dominance should not come at a disproportionate cost to its neighbouring countries.
The unequal dynamics between Bangladesh and India are starkly evident in several areas: the water-sharing agreements, where Bangladesh endures water shortages while India benefits from unregulated upstream usage; the persistent trade imbalance favouring India; the harsh treatment of Bangladeshis along the border; and energy projects such as the Adani power plant that serve India's strategic interests. India has at times shown interest in Bangladesh's internal affairs, whereas Bangladesh has maintained a policy of non-interference in India's domestic issues.
The Indian state is fearful of the change in Bangladesh because it is conflating Bangladeshi people's voice against one leader that it favoured as a verdict against India, which is not the case. What is unfolding instead is a reflection of India's prejudice against its neighbour, evident in the ongoing misinformation campaigns that the state permits to persist, which in fact perpetuates a long-standing legacy of inequity towards minorities in India—who are conflated as unwanted Bangladeshi migrants. These incidents of discrimination are explored by political scientist Navine Murshed examining "India's Bangladesh problem." The 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed in India with its discriminatory content portrays Bangladesh as a source of illegal migration and place of religious persecution. The current misinformation and disinformation campaign is a continuation of the same sentiment.
It must also be mentioned that India was among the leading countries in generating Covid-related misinformation. In one instance, a video falsely claimed that Bangladeshi citizens were sneaking into India en masse to receive vaccines—a narrative that exacerbated xenophobia and strained relations between the two countries. These doctored or contextually manipulated clips were shared widely, stoking communal tensions. Indian social media platforms are also awash with manipulated visuals of the Israel-Palestine conflict. These fabrications often originate from fringe groups but gain traction through retweets and shares by mainstream political figures, lending them undue credibility.
Doctored videos have become a staple of misinformation campaigns in India, often with far-reaching consequences. In one notorious example, a video was circulated purporting to show Bangladeshi citizens burning the Indian flag during a protest. The video was later debunked by Soch and AFP Fact Check, revealing it to be from an unrelated event in Jammu and Kashmir in 2009. However, the damage was done, as such content feeds into pre-existing biases and sows distrust between the two nations.
The role of Indian politicians in amplifying misinformation also cannot be ignored. From top leaders to regional politicians, many have shared unverified or misleading content and added their sensational analysis of the situation. For instance, inflammatory posts accusing Bangladesh of harbouring anti-India sentiments or allowing the persecution of Hindus have occasionally been shared by Indian political figures. Though pragmatic in his approach as a politician, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has, till this day, deliberately ignored the bloodshed that the previous regime caused in Bangladesh, and amplified the focus on violence against minorities since Bangladesh's former prime minister fled to India.
In recent parliamentary sessions, many prominent MPs have expressed concerns about safety of minorities and urged for diplomacy to ensure Indian interests are protected, but urging diplomatic initiatives without addressing the rampant misinformation undermines the effectiveness of such efforts. Repeatedly, mainstream Indian rhetoric fails to grasp the nuanced political dynamics that shape Bangladesh's unique political landscape. One glaring example involved claims that Bangladesh's interim government was complicit in attacks on Hindu minorities, using unverified reports and outdated visuals. While Bangladesh does face challenges regarding minority rights, the oversimplification and sensationalisation of such incidents fuel mistrust and hostility, making diplomatic engagement more challenging. The sensational narratives pushed in India not only undermine Bangladesh's sovereignty but, as shown by recent events, risk igniting communal tensions within both countries.
The misinformation campaigns emanating from India can have profound implications for Bangladesh-India relations in the long term. Misinformation exacerbates the existing tense dynamic, creating unnecessary friction over border issues, trade disputes, and communal incidents. A notable example is the controversy over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in India gained prominence between 2019 and 2020. Misleading narratives portrayed Bangladesh as a country willingly expelling its Hindu population, ignoring the complex socioeconomic factors at play. The misinformation campaign led to protests and backlash in Bangladesh, straining bilateral ties.
But what must be realised by India—at this crucial inflection point where the choice is upon them to either manage the brewing tensions or nurture the division further—is that Bangladesh's stability is crucial for India's security and economic interests. As a gateway to Southeast Asia and a critical partner in India's "Act East" policy, a stable Bangladesh ensures regional connectivity and economic growth. The success of the current interim government is in India's best interest. India's cooperation with the interim government can lead to a better understanding for security of both nations in the long term. Demonisation of the interim government and the chief adviser will only harvest anti-Indian sentiment in Bangladesh, as it happened in Maldives, for example.
Misinformation in India also has wider repercussions for the Asia-Pacific region. As two of the largest South Asian nations, Bangladesh and India are key players in regional stability. A strained relationship between the two could disrupt initiatives like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and hinder broader geopolitical objectives. Furthermore, misinformation campaigns that portray Bangladesh as antagonistic to India serve only to weaken regional solidarity. A secure Bangladesh is necessary to keep the separatist movement in India's northeastern states at bay as the two countries share a porous border over 4,000 kilometres, much of which runs along India's sensitive northeastern region. The matter is particularly concerning in a time when the Asia-Pacific region faces challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and great power rivalries. For India to achieve its aspirations of being a regional leader, fostering trust and cooperation with neighbours like Bangladesh is essential.
In an era where perception often supersedes reality, combating misinformation is as critical as addressing traditional security threats. For India, maintaining a stable, cooperative relationship with Bangladesh should not only be a matter of diplomacy but a strategic imperative. To achieve this, both nations must work together to tackle the scourge of misinformation that threatens to undermine the shared aspirations of their people. Both nations share a historical and cultural legacy and interconnected economies. Continuation of false and antagonistic narratives about communal violence, migration, and political instability risks eroding the foundation of the historic trust between the two countries when that does not need to be the case.
Ramisa Rob is in-charge of Geopolitical Insights at The Daily Star.
Sarzah Yeasmin is a contributor to Geopolitical Insights at The Daily Star and an alum of Harvard University.
The relationship between Bangladesh and India is undeniably getting strained. Recent events reflect that tensions are continuing to rise. On December 2, over 50 protesters reportedly entered the premises of the Bangladesh mission in Tripura's Agartala and vandalised it, violating the Vienna Convention. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the action was "regrettable," and ramped up security at all of Bangladesh's diplomatic missions around the country; however, uncertainty remains regarding what lies ahead. On December 3, the All Tripura Hotels and Restaurant Owners Association announced a temporary ban on serving Bangladeshi tourists, citing the mistreatment of minorities in Bangladesh. Earlier, ILS Hospital, a multi-specialty private hospital, announced that it would not treat any patients from Bangladesh, protesting against "atrocities on minorities" in the neighbouring country. The events point to an escalation of anti-Bangladesh sentiments on the Indian side, fostered by a misinformation campaign in sections of the Indian media and government.
For context, tensions have further simmered since the arrest of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari at Dhaka airport on sedition charges, and the subsequent killing of Saiful Islam Alif, a lawyer and assistant public prosecutor who was fatally attacked with sharp objects during protests after Das was denied bail in Chattogram. Arnab Goswami's Republic TV falsely reported the incident claiming, "Muslim lawyer representing ISKCON Chinmoy Das killed," which went viral, spreading through legions of trolls and social media users, using the post to further demonise Bangladesh. Fact-checking by the chief adviser's press wing revealed that the lawyer representing Das was Subasish Sharma. Among those arrested for Alif's murder, two men, Zia Uddin Fahim and Rajiv Bhattacharya alias Suman, were affiliated with Chhatra League, Awami League's student wing. Sheikh Hasina also used the attack on the lawyer to state that the Yunus regime "fails to punish these terrorists." The Indian media are, in many ways, aligned with Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League's false rhetoric.
'Mamata Banerjee calls for UN peacekeepers in Bangladesh amid anti-Hindu violence." The industrial scale of exaggeration regarding Bangladesh has followed a premise that can be summed up with a line plucked out of the aforementioned article: "Since Sheikh Hasina's resignation as Bangladesh's Prime Minister following violent protests, the country has witnessed increasing violence against Hindus." The wording encompasses the narrative that the Awami League—which was elected through a farce of an election—uses to delegitimise the democratic movement that saw the end of its fascist governance. The truth is conveniently warped: Sheikh Hasina unleashed deadly violence on peaceful protesters (which included shooting them on sight), killing hundreds of students.
The December 2 incident in Agartala followed days after a protest by Bongio Hindu Jagran group. Seeking the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das, protesters gathered to express grievances to the deputy Bangladesh high commissioner in Kolkata. Few representatives were allowed to enter the Deputy High Commission. According to The Hindu, Acharya Sanjay Shastri, after submitting a request to the assistant deputy high commissioner, said, "They have listened to our grievances. They have assured us that they will carry our voices to the Bangladesh government." Large sections of the Indian media left out this segment of the events that transpired when reporting on the clash and the burning of the Bangladesh flag in Kolkata.
Misinformation (the inadvertent sharing of false or misleading information) and disinformation (the deliberate dissemination of falsehoods to deceive) have been a pervasive problem, especially as India continues to voice its concerns regarding Bangladesh ever since the ouster of the Awami League government. The exaggeration of attacks on Hindu minorities to provoke the public, drawing parallels with Gaza and Ukraine from sections of the Indian government, serve to further strain the relationship between the two nations. With social media playing a huge role in global politics, the most terrifying aspect of disinformation is that it is shared and consumed in a decentralised manner, where asking social media platforms to fix the crisis has not helped any nation. The anti-Bangladesh sentiment has already spread to the US President-elect Donald Trump, who used it before the election to gain votes. It is also being embraced by members of parliament in the United Kingdom. On December 2, Labour MP Barry Gardiner embraced the AL narrative referring to the shooting of unarmed citizens as "riots," and misrepresented Bangladesh as an "Islamic state," aligning with the Islamophobic rhetoric put forth by the Indian media that Bangladesh is the "next Afghanistan."
According to the 2024 World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report, India is the leading country in terms of misinformation and disinformation prevalence. Per the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN), research into disinformation and misinformation says that the more individuals are exposed to falsehoods, the greater the likelihood they are to believe them, even when the information contradicts their existing beliefs. This alarming trend in the spread of misinformation has led to increased political, religious and social polarisation and unrest in India. Fourteen Indian nationals—identifying as "left-wing" or "secular"—interviewed by The Daily Star expressed concern regarding the presence of Sheikh Hasina in India, the incendiary language used by Indian television hosts, and what that means for India's own democracy under what they called "a far-right government, which embraces communal politics" and "division across religious lines."
The misinformation machine in India has the potential to wreak havoc in Bangladesh with Indian media channels operating at a global scale. In 2019, the EU DisinfoLab identified a network of at least 265 coordinated fake local media outlets operating in over 65 countries, which have links with India. By 2020, the network had grown to include 750 fake news websites spanning 116 countries. A section of the Indian media, such as The Quint, has itself addressed the issue of misinformation. Articles were published fact-checking the wildfire spread of fake news regarding the violence against minorities which took away attention from the violence that did actually take place, leaving minorities in a more vulnerable position.
India is applying its own framework of sectarian politics to interpret and represent Bangladesh, a nation that has historically had a legacy of cultural diversity and coexistence. The antagonistic perspective disregards the nuanced reality of Bangladesh, even amid the widespread religious tensions that characterise much of South Asia. In her seminal work The Clash Within: Democracy, Religious Violence, and India's Future, scholar Martha Nussbaum delves into the complexities of religious extremism and its threat to India's secular democracy leading to demonisation of minorities. Using the same template to understand the party politics in Bangladesh is unproductive and goes beyond misinformation, as Indian establishments fall short of seeing the nuanced politics and forces at play in Bangladesh, regardless of the source that is used to produce news.
Eminent Indian journalist Salil Tripathi critiques India's diplomatic strategy for its heavy reliance on individual leaders, investment into the former leader of Bangladesh, and for overlooking broader spectrum of Bangladeshi society. India's approach, along with misplaced concerns and deeply entrenched culture of misinformation in India poses challenges for bilateral relations. The dynamics of bilateral relations warrant deeper examination, particularly the resistance to calls for an equal partnership and a meaningful voice in foreign policy decisions. As the most powerful nation in the region and an aspiring superpower, India wields significant influence over regional resources, but this dominance should not come at a disproportionate cost to its neighbouring countries.
The unequal dynamics between Bangladesh and India are starkly evident in several areas: the water-sharing agreements, where Bangladesh endures water shortages while India benefits from unregulated upstream usage; the persistent trade imbalance favouring India; the harsh treatment of Bangladeshis along the border; and energy projects such as the Adani power plant that serve India's strategic interests. India has at times shown interest in Bangladesh's internal affairs, whereas Bangladesh has maintained a policy of non-interference in India's domestic issues.
The Indian state is fearful of the change in Bangladesh because it is conflating Bangladeshi people's voice against one leader that it favoured as a verdict against India, which is not the case. What is unfolding instead is a reflection of India's prejudice against its neighbour, evident in the ongoing misinformation campaigns that the state permits to persist, which in fact perpetuates a long-standing legacy of inequity towards minorities in India—who are conflated as unwanted Bangladeshi migrants. These incidents of discrimination are explored by political scientist Navine Murshed examining "India's Bangladesh problem." The 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed in India with its discriminatory content portrays Bangladesh as a source of illegal migration and place of religious persecution. The current misinformation and disinformation campaign is a continuation of the same sentiment.
It must also be mentioned that India was among the leading countries in generating Covid-related misinformation. In one instance, a video falsely claimed that Bangladeshi citizens were sneaking into India en masse to receive vaccines—a narrative that exacerbated xenophobia and strained relations between the two countries. These doctored or contextually manipulated clips were shared widely, stoking communal tensions. Indian social media platforms are also awash with manipulated visuals of the Israel-Palestine conflict. These fabrications often originate from fringe groups but gain traction through retweets and shares by mainstream political figures, lending them undue credibility.
Doctored videos have become a staple of misinformation campaigns in India, often with far-reaching consequences. In one notorious example, a video was circulated purporting to show Bangladeshi citizens burning the Indian flag during a protest. The video was later debunked by Soch and AFP Fact Check, revealing it to be from an unrelated event in Jammu and Kashmir in 2009. However, the damage was done, as such content feeds into pre-existing biases and sows distrust between the two nations.
The role of Indian politicians in amplifying misinformation also cannot be ignored. From top leaders to regional politicians, many have shared unverified or misleading content and added their sensational analysis of the situation. For instance, inflammatory posts accusing Bangladesh of harbouring anti-India sentiments or allowing the persecution of Hindus have occasionally been shared by Indian political figures. Though pragmatic in his approach as a politician, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has, till this day, deliberately ignored the bloodshed that the previous regime caused in Bangladesh, and amplified the focus on violence against minorities since Bangladesh's former prime minister fled to India.
In recent parliamentary sessions, many prominent MPs have expressed concerns about safety of minorities and urged for diplomacy to ensure Indian interests are protected, but urging diplomatic initiatives without addressing the rampant misinformation undermines the effectiveness of such efforts. Repeatedly, mainstream Indian rhetoric fails to grasp the nuanced political dynamics that shape Bangladesh's unique political landscape. One glaring example involved claims that Bangladesh's interim government was complicit in attacks on Hindu minorities, using unverified reports and outdated visuals. While Bangladesh does face challenges regarding minority rights, the oversimplification and sensationalisation of such incidents fuel mistrust and hostility, making diplomatic engagement more challenging. The sensational narratives pushed in India not only undermine Bangladesh's sovereignty but, as shown by recent events, risk igniting communal tensions within both countries.
The misinformation campaigns emanating from India can have profound implications for Bangladesh-India relations in the long term. Misinformation exacerbates the existing tense dynamic, creating unnecessary friction over border issues, trade disputes, and communal incidents. A notable example is the controversy over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in India gained prominence between 2019 and 2020. Misleading narratives portrayed Bangladesh as a country willingly expelling its Hindu population, ignoring the complex socioeconomic factors at play. The misinformation campaign led to protests and backlash in Bangladesh, straining bilateral ties.
But what must be realised by India—at this crucial inflection point where the choice is upon them to either manage the brewing tensions or nurture the division further—is that Bangladesh's stability is crucial for India's security and economic interests. As a gateway to Southeast Asia and a critical partner in India's "Act East" policy, a stable Bangladesh ensures regional connectivity and economic growth. The success of the current interim government is in India's best interest. India's cooperation with the interim government can lead to a better understanding for security of both nations in the long term. Demonisation of the interim government and the chief adviser will only harvest anti-Indian sentiment in Bangladesh, as it happened in Maldives, for example.
Misinformation in India also has wider repercussions for the Asia-Pacific region. As two of the largest South Asian nations, Bangladesh and India are key players in regional stability. A strained relationship between the two could disrupt initiatives like the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and hinder broader geopolitical objectives. Furthermore, misinformation campaigns that portray Bangladesh as antagonistic to India serve only to weaken regional solidarity. A secure Bangladesh is necessary to keep the separatist movement in India's northeastern states at bay as the two countries share a porous border over 4,000 kilometres, much of which runs along India's sensitive northeastern region. The matter is particularly concerning in a time when the Asia-Pacific region faces challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and great power rivalries. For India to achieve its aspirations of being a regional leader, fostering trust and cooperation with neighbours like Bangladesh is essential.
In an era where perception often supersedes reality, combating misinformation is as critical as addressing traditional security threats. For India, maintaining a stable, cooperative relationship with Bangladesh should not only be a matter of diplomacy but a strategic imperative. To achieve this, both nations must work together to tackle the scourge of misinformation that threatens to undermine the shared aspirations of their people. Both nations share a historical and cultural legacy and interconnected economies. Continuation of false and antagonistic narratives about communal violence, migration, and political instability risks eroding the foundation of the historic trust between the two countries when that does not need to be the case.
Ramisa Rob is in-charge of Geopolitical Insights at The Daily Star.
Sarzah Yeasmin is a contributor to Geopolitical Insights at The Daily Star and an alum of Harvard University.
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Not sure Mamata understands UN peacekeepers' role: Shashi Tharoor
"It is only when a country completely collapses, the peacekeepers are sent and the govt of the country has to request them"
Not sure Mamata understands UN peacekeepers' role: Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor reacts to Mamata Banerjee's remark
Shashi Tharoor, member of parliament for the Congress party, today reacted to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's suggestion to deploy UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh, and said he is "not sure" if she fully understands their role.
"I am not sure if she fully understands the role of UN peacekeepers. Having worked in UN peacekeeping myself for many years, I can tell you that UN peacekeepers are very rarely sent inside any country except for a request made by the country itself.
He told PTI that it is only when a country completely collapses, the peacekeepers are sent and "the government of the country has to request them. But I completely agree that we have to keep an eye on what is happening".
Speaking in the West Bengal state assembly yesterday, Mamata urged the Indian government to seek the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh to help normalise the situation and ensure the safety of minorities in that country.
Furthermore, in a Lok Sabha session today, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay again urged the Indian government to ask the United Nations to immediately dispatch peacekeeping forces to the neighbouring country.
TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay made the remarks while raising the issue during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha.
Sudip Bandopadhyay said minorities, including Hindus, are being "tortured and killed" in Bangladesh and urged the Centre to appeal to the UN to immediately send peacekeeping forces to the country.
Bandyopadhyay said the Indian government has so far maintained silence on the issue and asked External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to apprise the House of the latest developments in the matter.
Shashi Tharoor reacts to Mamata Banerjee's remark
Shashi Tharoor, member of parliament for the Congress party, today reacted to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's suggestion to deploy UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh, and said he is "not sure" if she fully understands their role.
"I am not sure if she fully understands the role of UN peacekeepers. Having worked in UN peacekeeping myself for many years, I can tell you that UN peacekeepers are very rarely sent inside any country except for a request made by the country itself.
He told PTI that it is only when a country completely collapses, the peacekeepers are sent and "the government of the country has to request them. But I completely agree that we have to keep an eye on what is happening".
Speaking in the West Bengal state assembly yesterday, Mamata urged the Indian government to seek the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh to help normalise the situation and ensure the safety of minorities in that country.
Furthermore, in a Lok Sabha session today, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay again urged the Indian government to ask the United Nations to immediately dispatch peacekeeping forces to the neighbouring country.
TMC's Sudip Bandyopadhyay made the remarks while raising the issue during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha.
Sudip Bandopadhyay said minorities, including Hindus, are being "tortured and killed" in Bangladesh and urged the Centre to appeal to the UN to immediately send peacekeeping forces to the country.
Bandyopadhyay said the Indian government has so far maintained silence on the issue and asked External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to apprise the House of the latest developments in the matter.
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Govt urged to respond to Indian campaign strongly
Major political parties on Wednesday suggested that the interim government should strongly address the Indian campaigns against Bangladesh...
www.newagebd.net
Govt urged to respond to Indian campaign strongly
Staff Correspondent 04 December, 2024, 20:43
Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus addresses a meeting with the leaders of different political parties at the Foreign Services Academy in Dhaka on Wednesday. | Focus Bangla photo
Major political parties on Wednesday suggested that the interim government should strongly address the Indian campaigns against Bangladesh.
Their suggestion came at a dialogue with chief adviser to the interim government Muhammad Yunus held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka city.
Addressing the meeting, amid ongoing anti-Bangladesh propaganda in the Indian media, Yunus said that the entire world needed to know that Bangladesh remained united and what it achieved recently came through united efforts.
The chief adviser sought suggestions from political parties enabling Bangladesh to proceed towards the right path without committing mistakes.
In his opening remarks, Yunus said that an imaginary story was being spread about Bangladesh which was not limited to a single country, but was also circulated to other countries.
Bangladesh by standing united must prove that story false and replace it with what is true, the chief adviser said.
Commenting that many people did not apparently like the ‘new Bangladesh’, Yunus said that the government remained open for foreigners to come and see the situation on the ground.
The chief adviser iterated the nation’s unity, noting that the campaigners against Bangladesh were powerful in resources and arrangements.
After the meeting, law adviser Asif Nazrul while briefing reporters said that the key message of the meeting was that they would remain united to save the interest, sovereignty and existence of the country.
‘We will never deviate from this and there is no reason to think Bangladesh as powerless, weak and submissive. Bangladesh will remain united against any propaganda,’ the law adviser said.
‘We will uphold our unity,’ he said, adding that the entire nation remained united against India’s propaganda.
Informing the media about the issues agreed upon in the meeting, he said that all participants in the dialogue in strongest terms condemned the attack on the Bangladesh assistant High Commission, anti-Bangladesh propaganda and India’s interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
The meeting praised the government’s self-respecting and courageous role against all these Indian steps, he said, adding that all the participants expressed firm solidarity with the government.
At the same time, political parties urged the government to address the Indian propaganda in stronger terms and more quickly, he said, adding that they also suggested that the government should invite foreign friends, other friendly nations and international media outlets to visit Bangladesh.
At the meeting, politicians also demanded that the government should make public all the agreements between Bangladesh and India done in the past 15 years.
They also demanded the cancellation of all the harmful agreements, including the Rampal Power Plant, he added.
‘India’s economic oppression of Bangladesh, attempts to establish dominance, and interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs have been condemned. The meeting made a call upon the outsiders to behave with dignity and good neighbourliness,’ he said.
He said that finally, everyone present at the meeting stressed that no room would be allowed to think that Bangladesh was powerless, weak or kneeling.
‘We will remain united against any kind of propaganda and provocation. If any propaganda or provocation comes in the future, we will continue to make efforts to forge our unity even stronger,’ Asif Nazrul said.
‘The meeting also suggested a joint rally, a joint political council, a joint security council in this situation,’ he said.
Having mentioned that despite fundamental difference in political views, paths, and ideals, the representatives of the political parties attending the dialogue vowed to stand united on the issue of national interest, sovereignty and existence, the adviser said.
Later, BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain told reporters that the chief adviser had discussed with the political parties, seeking their cooperation to protect the national sovereignty.
The independence that Bangladesh was won through the martyrdom of thousands of people, he said, adding that in this month of victory, they all vowed their conviction to stand beside the interim government in this situation, Khandaker Mosharraf added.
‘Their [the interim government] responsibility is to protect the independence, sovereignty and establish democracy in this country. Everyone must forge consensus against the fascist, fallen government that is conspiring against our country from abroad,’ he said.
Stating that this conspiracy was an attempt to create division among the people of Bangladesh, the BNP leader said, ‘We have reached an agreement with the government that just as we, the people, dismissed the fascist government through a mass uprising in July-August, we, the students and people of this country, will jointly confront their conspiracy and those who are supporting them.’
Regarding the elections, he said that this government was committed to restoring the rights of the people.
‘Therefore, we suggested that the government should implement reforms very quickly and give a roadmap for the elections,’ he said.
Commenting that no one would dare to conspire again once the election roadmap was published, he vowed, ‘We, the students and people will confront their conspiracy.’
Representatives from various political parties and alliances, including BNP, Bangladesh Jaamat-e-Islami, Ganatantra Mancha, 12-party alliance, Left Democratic Alliance, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, were present in the dialogue.
Liberal Democratic Party chairman Oli Ahmed, however, went to the Foreign Service Academy but could not join the dialogue as his name was not in the guest list.
Earlier on Tuesday, Yunus held a meeting with the representatives of the Student Movement Against Discrimination at his official residence state guest house Jamuna.
He is scheduled to hold a meeting with representatives of different religious groups on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh mission at Agartala in India was closed on security grounds, a day after it came under attack by a group of Indian protesters during a violent demonstration.
While addressing the West Bengal Assembly on Monday, Mamata called for the deployment of UN peacekeepers and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s personal intervention to secure the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Staff Correspondent 04 December, 2024, 20:43
Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus addresses a meeting with the leaders of different political parties at the Foreign Services Academy in Dhaka on Wednesday. | Focus Bangla photo
Major political parties on Wednesday suggested that the interim government should strongly address the Indian campaigns against Bangladesh.
Their suggestion came at a dialogue with chief adviser to the interim government Muhammad Yunus held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka city.
Addressing the meeting, amid ongoing anti-Bangladesh propaganda in the Indian media, Yunus said that the entire world needed to know that Bangladesh remained united and what it achieved recently came through united efforts.
The chief adviser sought suggestions from political parties enabling Bangladesh to proceed towards the right path without committing mistakes.
In his opening remarks, Yunus said that an imaginary story was being spread about Bangladesh which was not limited to a single country, but was also circulated to other countries.
Bangladesh by standing united must prove that story false and replace it with what is true, the chief adviser said.
Commenting that many people did not apparently like the ‘new Bangladesh’, Yunus said that the government remained open for foreigners to come and see the situation on the ground.
The chief adviser iterated the nation’s unity, noting that the campaigners against Bangladesh were powerful in resources and arrangements.
After the meeting, law adviser Asif Nazrul while briefing reporters said that the key message of the meeting was that they would remain united to save the interest, sovereignty and existence of the country.
‘We will never deviate from this and there is no reason to think Bangladesh as powerless, weak and submissive. Bangladesh will remain united against any propaganda,’ the law adviser said.
‘We will uphold our unity,’ he said, adding that the entire nation remained united against India’s propaganda.
Informing the media about the issues agreed upon in the meeting, he said that all participants in the dialogue in strongest terms condemned the attack on the Bangladesh assistant High Commission, anti-Bangladesh propaganda and India’s interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
The meeting praised the government’s self-respecting and courageous role against all these Indian steps, he said, adding that all the participants expressed firm solidarity with the government.
At the same time, political parties urged the government to address the Indian propaganda in stronger terms and more quickly, he said, adding that they also suggested that the government should invite foreign friends, other friendly nations and international media outlets to visit Bangladesh.
At the meeting, politicians also demanded that the government should make public all the agreements between Bangladesh and India done in the past 15 years.
They also demanded the cancellation of all the harmful agreements, including the Rampal Power Plant, he added.
‘India’s economic oppression of Bangladesh, attempts to establish dominance, and interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs have been condemned. The meeting made a call upon the outsiders to behave with dignity and good neighbourliness,’ he said.
He said that finally, everyone present at the meeting stressed that no room would be allowed to think that Bangladesh was powerless, weak or kneeling.
‘We will remain united against any kind of propaganda and provocation. If any propaganda or provocation comes in the future, we will continue to make efforts to forge our unity even stronger,’ Asif Nazrul said.
‘The meeting also suggested a joint rally, a joint political council, a joint security council in this situation,’ he said.
Having mentioned that despite fundamental difference in political views, paths, and ideals, the representatives of the political parties attending the dialogue vowed to stand united on the issue of national interest, sovereignty and existence, the adviser said.
Later, BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain told reporters that the chief adviser had discussed with the political parties, seeking their cooperation to protect the national sovereignty.
The independence that Bangladesh was won through the martyrdom of thousands of people, he said, adding that in this month of victory, they all vowed their conviction to stand beside the interim government in this situation, Khandaker Mosharraf added.
‘Their [the interim government] responsibility is to protect the independence, sovereignty and establish democracy in this country. Everyone must forge consensus against the fascist, fallen government that is conspiring against our country from abroad,’ he said.
Stating that this conspiracy was an attempt to create division among the people of Bangladesh, the BNP leader said, ‘We have reached an agreement with the government that just as we, the people, dismissed the fascist government through a mass uprising in July-August, we, the students and people of this country, will jointly confront their conspiracy and those who are supporting them.’
Regarding the elections, he said that this government was committed to restoring the rights of the people.
‘Therefore, we suggested that the government should implement reforms very quickly and give a roadmap for the elections,’ he said.
Commenting that no one would dare to conspire again once the election roadmap was published, he vowed, ‘We, the students and people will confront their conspiracy.’
Representatives from various political parties and alliances, including BNP, Bangladesh Jaamat-e-Islami, Ganatantra Mancha, 12-party alliance, Left Democratic Alliance, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, were present in the dialogue.
Liberal Democratic Party chairman Oli Ahmed, however, went to the Foreign Service Academy but could not join the dialogue as his name was not in the guest list.
Earlier on Tuesday, Yunus held a meeting with the representatives of the Student Movement Against Discrimination at his official residence state guest house Jamuna.
He is scheduled to hold a meeting with representatives of different religious groups on Thursday.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh mission at Agartala in India was closed on security grounds, a day after it came under attack by a group of Indian protesters during a violent demonstration.
While addressing the West Bengal Assembly on Monday, Mamata called for the deployment of UN peacekeepers and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s personal intervention to secure the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
