Global media shapes public opinion -- that is a known fact. But, how does this affect post-revolution Bangladesh? In my 25 years of reading international news about Bangladesh, I have never seen this level of coverage from the international media outlets. Case in point, the revolution was covered by almost all English language, international newspapers that one can read.
Revolutions are like that, a once-in-a-lifetime story of the underdogs being pitted against a ferocious tyrant, overcoming astronomical odds to achieve victory, leaving the reader with a sense of hope and upliftment. In this scenario, we can delve into three top-tier, international media outlets that covered Bangladesh.
The Washington Post looks into Indian hegemony over Bangladesh
This newspaper offers unparalleled insight into the Washington, DC, establishment -- the inner workings of the world’s sole superpower, political gamesmanship across the globe, and how nations are perceived by the US. The Post covered how the Indian government blocked America’s efforts to pressure former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina into democratic reforms. India went as far as to leverage its strategic partnership with the US to demand a consensus on its Bangladesh foreign policy, or shall we say Sheikh Hasina policy, as it was one and the same for India.
Several notable Bangladeshi media outlets have written about the hegemony India commanded over Bangladesh during the Hasina regime. However, when an inside-the-beltway (DC area) newspaper that is widely read across the halls of Congress and executive offices says the same, it carries far more weight in the US.
The New York Times examines the erstwhile government’s enforced disappearance program
Since 1851, The New York Times has made a name for itself in American society with its editorial excellence, and appeal to the cultural, intellectual readership. When this global media outlet deployed its South Asia bureau chief, alongside two other reporters to Dhaka to cover a news story, you know that this is significant. The Times has an in-depth report on Sheikh Hasina’s secret detention program; more than a dozen individuals that included survivors, government officials, security chiefs, and human rights activists were interviewed.
It was revealed that right after the revolution, a small group of individuals, including survivors of enforced disappearances, approached commanding army officers at the military headquarters and inquired on the whereabouts of prisoners. The army informed them that within 24 hours, this will be sorted out. In the next few days, the nation saw three men emerge from Bangladesh’s notorious dungeon.
We have been hearing about horror stories emerging from “The House of Mirrors” for years, but when The Times provides an investigative report with compelling photographs, it has a multiplier effect, as even Times of India picked up this story. Just seeing the devastated faces of a victim’s family on the front page of this newspaper has made an impact on readers who commented on this heinous abuse of power.
If a concerted effort is made by all concerned Bangladeshis, we can change the national narrative from a ‘poor, disaster-prone country’ to something greater
Time magazine honours the interim government’s student leader
If someone makes it to Time magazine’s 100 Next list, he/she has definitely gained a global platform. This is exactly what has happened to Nahid Islam, Bangladesh’s student leader turned government adviser. The global media outlet with a century’s worth of news stories included him among the most influential leaders of the world. His alleged abduction and torture by police for a legitimate protest, followed by a life trajectory where he is now receiving salutes from the police force reads like a bestselling novel. He is the definition of someone who has broken “the traditional power structures and pathways” mentioned by Time magazine, and now his image adorns its prestigious list.
The value of global news coverage
An academic paper published in International Communication Gazette in 2020 looks at how Bangladesh is framed in US media. 240 news stories and Op-Eds written in a five-year timeline were examined, and these themes emerged: Violent Islamic extremists, disastrous country, and human rights violations. Compare this to the news coverage the nation has received since August. A cursory glance displays the following themes: Student protests, fascism collapse, Nobel laureate-led interim government, and political reforms. If a concerted effort is made by all concerned Bangladeshis, we can change the national narrative from a “poor, disaster-prone country” to something greater.
Everyone who has a compelling story to tell, be it an on-the-ground narrative of the revolution, an innovative idea for reformed governance, or just building a better Bangladesh, there is an international audience waiting to hear from you.
In the age of social media, it is easy to connect with international reporters, or expatriate Bangladeshis willing to collaborate on a news story that promotes the motherland. Also, international nonprofits are frequently on the lookout for innovative projects that require the right talent and funding for launching a developing nation into higher grounds. In global affairs, a revolution-based story has a small window of opportunity; take advantage of this moment in history.
Tamim Choudhury is a Public Affairs Specialist at a Washington, DC-based international volunteer agency.
