Dhaka: Indian media outlets and the ousted Awami League are disseminating disinformation about Bangladesh, stated Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam during a policy conclave on Monday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Shafiqul Alam highlighted that certain newspapers, including a prominent Bengali daily in India, have been publishing false information, thereby contributing to a deliberate spread of misinformation. He addressed the issue at the ‘Misinformation: Challenges to Governance and Democracy’ conclave held at the central auditorium of Dhaka International University, an event organized by the Dhaka International University Journalists’ Association (DIUCA).
Alam emphasized that disinformation is originating from both local and international sources. He noted that, for the first time in 18 months, Indian media has been circulating alarming false narratives about Bangladesh. He cited that no government in Bangladesh’s 54-year history has encountered such a situation, where lies are spread daily, fueling hatred. He warned that this poses a serious threat to the country’s government and democracy.
While the government is striving for smooth democratic transitions and fair elections, Alam pointed out the creation of a narrative abroad suggesting that minorities would remain unsafe even if democracy is restored in Bangladesh.
Daily Protidin Editor Maruf Kamal Khan addressed the media’s role in countering disinformation, stressing the need for the media to truly represent the people rather than promoting one-sided views. He acknowledged the ongoing struggle to overcome a mindset entrenched during past regimes, urging for the media to become the voice of the populace.
DIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Zahidul Islam remarked on the amplification of disinformation in the AI era, which has left the state in a state of confusion and vulnerability. Dr Sheikh Mohammad Shafiul Islam, Chairman of DIU’s Media Studies Department, described misinformation as a structural crisis exacerbated by social media algorithms, political polarization, and weak media literacy. He called for an integrated approach involving robust media policies, educational reforms, and the development of critical thinking to tackle the challenge.
The event also featured speeches from Mahfuzur Rahman, Editor of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), and Fasih Uddin Mahtab, former President of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BASF). The programme concluded with the presentation of the M I Patwari Best Reporting Awards to the top four journalists of 2025.