Since August, an industrial-scale disinformation campaign has been waged against Professor Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh's democratic aspirations. This campaign -- driven by the full force of Hasina’s domestic propaganda machinery and amplified through the BJP’s expansive media and troll networks -- sought to implant one of the most absurd and incendiary narratives in modern South Asian political history: That Yunus, a Nobel Peace Laureate, was an “Islamist,” “masterminding a Hindu genocide,” and “intent on turning Bangladesh into Afghanistan.”
This narrative is not only preposterous, it is categorically false. Its scale, however, is undeniable -- tens of thousands of coordinated social media posts and thousands of mainstream media broadcasts were weaponized in lockstep, forming a textbook case of cross-border narrative warfare.
The intent was singular: To delegitimize the emerging interim government of Bangladesh, shake public confidence, and carve open a pathway either for fascist dictator Hasina’s return or, as some Indian academics had advocated for, a military-backed regime under Indian influence.
The backlash was immediate and organic. Bangladesh’s Generation Z, highly literate in digital disinformation and fiercely patriotic, identified this manufactured smear campaign for what it was: An insult to their intelligence and sovereignty. Their understandable frustration was expressed in anti-India rhetoric -- not from a place of bigotry or xenophobia, but as a defensive reaction to what was transparently Indian state-supported interference in their national affairs.
Despite the millions of dollars poured into this operation, the campaign collapsed under the weight of its own fabrications. International actors conducted even the most basic due diligence and swiftly dismissed the claims.
The intent was singular: To delegitimize the emerging interim government of Bangladesh, shake public confidence, and carve open a pathway either for Hasina’s return
The result? Near-universal diplomatic recognition of Professor Yunus’ integrity and leadership. From the United Nations to governments across the geo-political spectrum -- Trump-aligned Washington, Brussels (EU), London, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Colombo, Islamabad -- the global consensus is clear: Professor Yunus represents the future of a democratic, economically-vibrant Bangladesh.
The Hasina regime, in contrast, is remembered for its descent into fascism, its systematic dismantling of democratic institutions, and a kleptocratic legacy that severely stunted Bangladesh’s economic potential.
Today, the only anti-Bangladesh rhetoric emanates from Indian media ecosystems -- an echo chamber divorced from international reality.
For India to repair its image in the region, and salvage its diplomatic standing in Dhaka, Indian Prime Minister Modi must act decisively. The BJP must issue a directive to its captive “godi” media and digital troll infrastructure to cease all disinformation operations targeting Bangladesh.
Fact-based and fairly proportional criticism is gladly received but it is currently lost within this disinformation hyperbole.
A pivot to neutrality or genuine friendship is the only viable path forward. Anything less will be seen by Bangladeshis -- and the world -- as tacit endorsement of a failed strategy that has not only discredited India abroad but also pushed away a new generation of Bangladeshi citizens who once viewed regional cooperation with optimism.
Toffael Rashid is a global marketing professional.