In a democratic society, political opposition plays a vital role in holding the government accountable and promoting a healthy exchange of ideas. However, in Bangladesh, opposing political parties have resorted to propaganda as a mechanism to defame the present government.
This article aims to shed light on the utilization of propaganda tactics, the impact on governance and public perception, and the importance of responsible political discourse.
What is propaganda?
Propaganda refers to the deliberate dissemination of information, ideas, or rumours, often biased or misleading, to shape public opinion and manipulate perceptions. While political parties utilize various communication strategies to advance their agendas, propaganda tactics raise
concerns about the ethics and integrity of the political discourse.
Opposing political parties have been employing propaganda techniques such as spreading false information, distorting facts, and launching personal attacks on government officials. Such tactics undermine the credibility of the government and hinder constructive dialogue and compromise, which are essential for effective governance.
Using propaganda as a political tool has significant implications for governance and public perception. Firstly, it creates an atmosphere of mistrust and polarization, inhibiting the government's ability to implement policies and address pressing issues effectively.
Secondly, it diverts attention from constructive debates and critical examination of government actions, hampering the democratic process. Additionally, it can manipulate public sentiment and create a distorted image of the government, leading to a loss of confidence in its leadership.
Responsible political discourse is crucial for the healthy functioning of a democracy. It requires political parties to engage in constructive debates, present evidence-based arguments, and focus on policy matters rather than resorting to personal attacks and spreading falsehoods. It is the responsibility of political leaders to maintain the dignity of public discourse, uphold democratic values, and prioritize the well-being of the nation over partisan interests.
To ensure the integrity of political discourse and protect democratic values, it is important for all stakeholders, including political parties, media organizations, and citizens, to remain vigilant against propaganda tactics.
Independent media plays a critical role in fact-checking and providing accurate information to counter misinformation and propaganda. Citizens, on their part, should be critical consumers of information, seeking multiple sources and verifying claims before forming opinions.
Political leaders must prioritize responsible political discourse, focusing on policy matters rather than engaging in personal attacks and spreading misinformation.
By upholding democratic values, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting the importance of fact-checking and critical thinking, Bangladesh can foster a political environment that encourages constructive debates and informed decision-making.
What can the government do?
In the face of propaganda tactics employed by opposition parties, the ruling party, Awami League (AL), has a big task in neutralizing the effects of misinformation and defamation.
The AL must adopt effective communication strategies to counter propaganda and present accurate information to the public. This includes utilizing various channels such as media engagements, public speeches, and social media platforms to disseminate government initiatives, policies, and achievements.
Clear and concise communication can help debunk false narratives and provide a balanced perspective to the public.
The AL can enhance its efforts by establishing dedicated teams or forging partnerships with independent fact-checking organizations to effectively verify the information and combat the dissemination of misinformation by opposition parties. The existing work carried out by the Centre for Research and Information (CRI) in this area is commendable, but further steps should be taken to bolster its organizational capacity.
By promptly and accurately addressing false claims, the AL can thwart the proliferation of misleading narratives and ensure that the public has access to trustworthy and reliable information.
The ruling party can emphasize its development initiatives and success stories to demonstrate tangible progress to the public. By showcasing the positive impact of government programs in areas such as infrastructure development, poverty reduction, healthcare, and education, the AL can counter the negative narratives propagated by opposition parties and highlight the transformative changes their governance brings.
AL can actively engage citizens in the democratic process and encourage participation through various channels, such as meetings, public consultations, and grassroots initiatives. By empowering citizens with accurate information, providing platforms for their voices to be heard, and addressing their concerns, the ruling party can strengthen the democratic fabric of the nation and neutralize the impact of propaganda.
Other stakeholders
Along with the ruling party, academicians supporting the present government and upholding the spirit of the liberation war could play a crucial role in countering the propaganda politics of the opposition. Their expertise and knowledge enable them to provide a rational evidence-based perspective to debunk misinformation and distortions.
These academicians promote accurate information and critical thinking among the public by engaging in research, analysis, and public discourse. Their objective assessment of policies and initiatives helps shape public opinion and counteract the opposition's misleading narratives.
Furthermore, their academic integrity lends credibility to the government's actions and policies, reinforcing trust and confidence in the government. Through their intellectual contributions, academicians act as valuable assets in ensuring that informed discussions prevail over baseless propaganda in the political landscape.
The responsibility to combat propaganda lies also with the citizens themselves. Individuals must cultivate a critical mindset, seek diverse sources of information, and engage in informed discussions. By actively participating in the democratic process, citizens can demand transparency, hold political parties accountable, and contribute to a more robust and inclusive democracy.
In conclusion, propaganda tactics used by opposing parties undermine the democratic process and hamper constructive dialogue. Responsible political discourse, based on facts and focused on policy matters, is essential for the progress of Bangladesh.
Opposition parties must recognize their role as responsible participants in the democratic process. Rather than relying on propaganda tactics, they should focus on offering alternative policies, engaging in substantive debates, and presenting evidence-based arguments. By doing so, they can contribute to a healthy and vibrant democracy where ideas are debated on their merits and the nation's welfare takes precedence over partisan interests.
The ruling party should place greater emphasis on countering the opposition's propaganda politics. Their substantial development initiatives warrant the support of the citizens in the upcoming election. To mitigate the impact of the opposition's tactics, dedicated efforts should be made to confront the initiatives launched by opposition parties aimed at defaming the government and manipulating their advantage in the next election.
By effectively addressing these challenges, the ruling party can neutralize the opposition's influence and ensure a fair electoral process.
Dr Pranab Kumar Panday is a Professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi.
