Dhaka: The interim government of Bangladesh has extended an invitation to Indian journalists to visit the country to witness firsthand the ongoing situation on the ground. This appeal was made by Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. Alam emphasized the importance of countering misinformation allegedly being spread by Indian media regarding recent incidents in Bangladesh. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the press secretary highlighted that the Indian media has been aggressively disseminating distorted information about Bangladesh. "We are inviting them (Indian media) to come here (in Bangladesh)," Alam stated, urging for the formation of national unity to confront and dispel such misinformation. He stressed the urgent need for national solidarity to resist these campaigns. Alam also called upon Bangladeshi newspapers to take an active role in combating the spread of false information, mentioning it as a national responsibility. He revealed that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus had a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in late August, during which he encouraged Modi to prompt Indian journalists to visit Bangladesh and verify reports of alleged violence. The press secretary criticized Indian media for relying on selective and unnamed sources, citing an example where Netra News depicted a report by the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council as distorted. He urged international human rights organizations and global media to visit Bangladesh to ascertain the truth, asserting the government's transparency in its activities. In response to questions, Alam accused the Indian media of spreading unchecked falsehoods, which he claimed were inciting violence among a segment of the Indian populace. He reiterated Bangladesh's desire for equitable and fair relations with India, acknowledging the latter's status as a significant neighbor. The briefing was also attended by Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kala m Azad Majumder and Apurba Jahangir, who supported the call for transparency and accurate reporting.
