Dhaka: Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) today expressed deep concern over spreading false, fabricated, and baseless news about minority issues in Bangladesh by Indian media. In a statement, BFUJ acting president Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury, DUJ President Shahidul Islam, and General Secretary Khurshid Alam strongly condemned such media reports, describing them as ‘yellow journalism’.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the journalist leaders emphasized their concerns about the Indian mainstream media’s continuous dissemination of fabricated news concerning minority issues in Bangladesh. They accused the Indian media of using false and unsubstantiated information, which they believe contributes to anti-Bangladesh campaigns and extremist activities across India.
The leaders highlighted data from various fact-checking organizations to support their claims, asserting that recent actions by the Indian government, coupled wit
h the media’s role, suggest an intent to incite communal clashes within Bangladesh. They argued that these efforts aim to portray Bangladesh negatively on the global stage, specifically as a communal state.
Additionally, they speculated that the ousted Awami League government might be linked to these developments, suggesting that the incidents are indicative of a larger agenda. Despite these tensions, the journalist leaders expressed a desire for amicable relations with India, acknowledging its historical support during Bangladesh’s Liberation War and advocating for a relationship grounded in fairness and equality.
Concluding their statement, the BFUJ and DUJ leaders called upon the Indian media to engage in responsible journalism, based on truth and facts, and to respect the democratic aspirations of Bangladesh’s citizens.