Far away in the land of chaos, somewhere between fact and fiction, Indian media decided that their next blockbuster would feature … Bangladesh. With a script as tight as a sieve, they rolled out what can only be described as the Bollywood equivalent of "breaking news." Except, in this case, breaking news meant breaking the truth.
From August to December 2024, as many as 49 Indian media outlets churned out at least 13 false stories about Bangladesh, according to a report by Rumour Scanner, a Bangladeshi fact-checking organization. The report, titled Spread of Fake News About Bangladesh in Indian Media Outlets, is a chilling exposé of how quickly fiction can become fact when served on a platter of sensationalism.
The tales spun by Indian media could rival the plotlines of any drama. The pièce de résistance? A fabricated letter supposedly penned by Sheikh Hasina after her abrupt resignation on August 5, blaming the US for arranging her downfall. The source? Not a credible institution, but a Facebook post from a page named "Tripura Bhobishyot." Yes, a social media post masqueraded as "hard news."
But there’s more! Indian outlets circulated a video of a grief-stricken man searching for his son, claiming he was a Hindu victim of communal violence in Bangladesh. Turns out, the man, Babul Howlader, was Muslim, and his son had been missing since 2013.
Another masterpiece of misinformation involved Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. According to Indian media, Yunus was in the ICU after being sworn in. One outlet even reported he fled to France post-Trump’s election victory in November. Fact-checkers debunked this, revealing that the alleged "ICU photo" was doctored, and Yunus hadn’t fled; he’d just returned to Dhaka from France days earlier to take on his new role.
The stories didn’t stop there. A Pakistani commercial ship docking at Chattogram port was spun into a tale of arms smuggling. Viral videos of idol immersion in India were misrepresented as evidence of temple attacks in Bangladesh. And when a Shyamoli Paribahan bus was involved in an accident, it magically transformed into a communal incident against Indian interests.
The icing on the cake? Claims that the Bangladesh Air Force was building Asia’s second-largest airbase near India’s Chicken Neck with Chinese support. Reality check: The "construction site" was Lalmonirhat airport, abandoned for over 60 years.
Indian media’s approach to Bangladesh is akin to a drama serial writer on a sugar high. The narrative? Bangladesh has descended into chaos since Sheikh Hasina’s departure. Communal violence, militant resurgence, and anti-India rhetoric -- all served up with a side of hysteria.
One Bengali news anchor even went on a tirade, claiming, “Bangladesh is becoming Pakistan!” Never mind that the so-called evidence was as flimsy as a paper umbrella in a monsoon. Blurry videos, doctored images, and second-hand gossip have become the backbone of their reporting.
The fallout from this misinformation spree is more than just embarrassing headlines; it’s dangerous. False narratives about attacks on Hindus have not only sowed distrust between communities but have also incited real-world violence. The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Agartala faced an assault, and border towns in India are reportedly turning away Bangladeshi visitors.
Let’s not forget the viral narrative about Hindu households being set on fire. Turns out, the fires were in shops affected by electrical faults. Yet, these incidents were spun as evidence of "ethnic cleansing," with hashtags and viral videos spreading like wildfire.
The most troubling aspect of this saga is how media narratives shape public opinion and, by extension, policy
This isn’t India’s first rodeo with narrative manipulation. Remember the "Indian Chronicles"? A 15-year campaign that spread fake news about Pakistan, using over 750 media outlets across 119 countries. With a history of narrative attacks, India’s media seems to have merely shifted its focus to Bangladesh.
Instead of accepting Bangladesh’s democratic transition, Indian media has leaned into conspiracy theories. They’ve accused Pakistan’s ISI, China, and even the US of orchestrating the change, conveniently ignoring the millions of Bangladeshis who took to the streets demanding justice and reform.
Perhaps the most entertaining (and horrifying) spectacle was a live TV debate featuring a senior BNP leader and a Kolkata news anchor. The leader accused the channel of accepting bribes from the Awami League, calling it “godi-media” (lapdog media). He didn’t mince words: “You’re spreading anti-Bangladesh lies because Hasina robbed the country blind and you got a share!”
Indian channels, lacking full-time correspondents in Dhaka, rely on "sources" -- often unreliable ones -- for their reports. This lazy journalism amplifies propaganda, creating a vicious cycle of misinformation.
The most troubling aspect of this saga is how media narratives shape public opinion and, by extension, policy. The rise of Hindu nationalism under Narendra Modi has fueled a media environment where communal tensions are weaponized for political gain.
By painting Bangladesh as a hotbed of anti-Hindu violence, Indian media not only undermines its neighbour but also distracts from domestic issues. After all, why focus on India’s own struggles with press freedom and religious intolerance when you can point fingers elsewhere?
At its core, this isn’t just about bad journalism; it’s about the weaponization of information. Misinformation isn’t just a media problem -- it’s a threat to sovereignty, democracy, and regional stability.
Bangladesh, a nation born from the ashes of misinformation and propaganda during the 1971 Liberation War, knows all too well the dangers of narrative warfare. But this time, the attacks are coming not from an occupying force, but from a neighbour that once called it a friend.
It’s time for Indian media to take a hard look in the mirror. Journalism is a pillar of democracy, not a tool for political agendas. The pursuit of TRPs and sensational headlines cannot come at the cost of truth and harmony.
And for Bangladesh, the lesson is clear: Vigilance is key. In the meantime, Indian media might want to consider a career change. With their flair for drama and fiction, Bollywood could use a few new screenwriters.
HM Nazmul Alam, Lecturer, Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology. Email: nazmulalam.rijohn@gmail.com