Bangladesh Calls on Diaspora to Counter Indian Media "Propaganda"
DHAKA – Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, has urged Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to actively challenge what he describes as a campaign of misinformation and disinformation against Bangladesh emanating from Indian media outlets. Speaking at an event titled "Branding Bangladesh: NRB & UN Peacekeepers Leading the Way" in Dhaka on January 11, 2025, Hossain claimed that Indian media has been instrumental in spreading negative narratives about Bangladesh over the past four months, particularly regarding communal tensions. He implored the diaspora to counter this narrative by presenting a more accurate picture of the situation within the country.
Hossain specifically criticized Indian media for allegedly misrepresenting incidents of communal violence, often portraying them as targeted attacks against Hindus while ignoring the broader context. He argued that while isolated incidents may occur, they are not exclusively directed at any particular religious group, and the media’s selective focus exacerbates tensions. He cited examples of reports highlighting the destruction of Hindu properties while downplaying similar damage suffered by Muslims in the same incidents, thereby creating a distorted perception of religious persecution in Bangladesh.
The Adviser emphasized the importance of promoting a positive image of Bangladesh on the global stage. He encouraged highlighting stories that reflect the nation’s values and achievements, such as instances of expatriates returning lost money, while acknowledging that negative reports of Bangladeshis facing difficulties abroad can tarnish the country’s reputation. He called for a concerted effort to shift the narrative towards the positive aspects of Bangladeshi society and the contributions of its citizens, both at home and overseas.
Beyond addressing the alleged misinformation campaign, Hossain also highlighted the challenges faced by Bangladeshi expatriates and the limited resources available to assist them. He cited the example of the 3.2 million Bangladeshis residing in Saudi Arabia, where an estimated 200,000 individuals require assistance, yet only a small team of 20 individuals is available to address their concerns. This resource constraint underscores the need for increased support and advocacy for Bangladeshi expatriates navigating challenges abroad.
Hossain’s plea to the diaspora comes at a time of increasing scrutiny of Bangladesh’s human rights record and political climate. The adviser’s remarks suggest a growing concern within the government about the impact of negative media portrayals on the country’s international standing. He seeks to mobilize the NRB community as a critical force in shaping perceptions about Bangladesh, countering negative narratives, and promoting a more balanced and positive image of the nation.
The call to action for the diaspora to become more actively involved in shaping the narrative around Bangladesh highlights the importance of soft power and public diplomacy in the contemporary international landscape. By engaging NRBs, the government hopes to leverage their networks and influence to project a more favorable image of the country and counter what it perceives as biased reporting in the Indian media. The success of this strategy, however, remains to be seen, depending on the willingness of the NRB community to engage and the effectiveness of their efforts in changing perceptions.