In today’s highly interconnected world, media plays a crucial role not only in informing the public but also in shaping political discourse. The way news is reported can influence public sentiment and, at times, serve as a powerful tool for political agendas. This is particularly evident in the case of India’s media’s portrayal of Bangladesh in recent months, where false reporting and disinformation have contributed to rising tensions between the two countries. At the heart of these tensions lies the role of the media, which has often been accused of spreading misleading narratives, especially concerning the treatment of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The dissemination of false news is not merely an act of misinformation but a deliberate strategy that seeks to manipulate public opinion, both within India and Bangladesh.
The tension between India and Bangladesh has been exacerbated by the recent portrayal of Bangladesh’s internal affairs in Indian media. The issue gained significant attention when claims of persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh were sensationalized. In particular, reports in some sections of the Indian media suggested widespread violence and genocide targeting Hindus, painting a grim picture of the situation. However, as pointed out by Bangladeshi media outlets, these reports were either exaggerated or completely fabricated. The Bangladeshi media has repeatedly called out these reports as fake or distorted, claiming that many of the images and videos shared by Indian outlets were either misattributed or manipulated using modern technology like AI.
One example of such misinformation was the viral circulation of an image purportedly showing the desecration of an Indian flag in Bangladesh. The image, which was used to stoke anti-Bangladesh sentiments, was later debunked by fact-checking organizations in Bangladesh, who revealed that the image had been digitally altered. Moreover, videos claiming that Muslims in Bangladesh had attacked Hindu temples were found to be from an entirely different incident in West Bengal, India, further highlighting the extent of false reporting. As such, the Indian media’s portrayal of Bangladesh often deviates from the truth, creating a skewed perception of the situation in the neighboring country.
What makes the role of the media even more complex is the ideological framework within which it operates. In India, the growing influence of Hindutva politics, led by the BJP and RSS, has contributed to the demonization of Bangladesh as part of a larger narrative to promote Hindu nationalism. The portrayal of Bangladesh’s secular identity and its treatment of Hindu minorities has been framed as a direct challenge to India’s nationalistic Hindu identity. This ideological underpinning has been used to further inflame the narrative, urging the public to view Bangladesh’s political actions with suspicion and hostility.
For example, the BJP and its affiliates have used incidents in Bangladesh to rally support for their political agenda, drawing parallels between the violence in Bangladesh and alleged anti-Hindu sentiments in India. Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, even linked communal violence in Sambhal (a town in India) with the events in Bangladesh, suggesting a coordinated effort to target Hindus in both countries. This rhetorical leap is not only misleading but also dangerous, as it stokes communal animosity on both sides of the border.
Furthermore, Indian leaders like Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, have also made provocative statements regarding Bangladesh’s internal affairs, calling for UN intervention. Such calls are not only political posturing but also rely heavily on distorted narratives propagated by sections of the Indian media. These political figures, by echoing the distorted reports, amplify the negative portrayal of Bangladesh, further deepening the divide between the two nations.
The consequences of these media-driven narratives are not confined to political discourse alone. The economic impact on India-Bangladesh relations has been tangible, especially in the context of trade and tourism. As tensions rise, there has been a noticeable decline in cross-border travel and economic exchange between the two countries. Bangladeshis are increasingly reluctant to visit India due to the negative media portrayal, while Indian businesses in states like West Bengal have reported a drop in the number of Bangladeshi tourists and traders.
Indian businesses, particularly in Kolkata, which have historically relied on trade and tourism from Bangladesh, are feeling the pinch. Hotels, hospitals, and shops that catered to Bangladeshi visitors have seen a marked decline in customers. The image of Bangladesh as an unsafe and hostile country, fueled by sensationalized media reports, has a real-world impact on the livelihoods of people in both countries, creating economic ripple effects beyond the political sphere.
In the face of extensive misinformation, Bangladeshi media outlets and fact-checking organizations have worked tirelessly to debunk these false narratives. Rumor Scanner, a prominent fact-checking agency in Bangladesh, has compiled a list of 13 false reports propagated by Indian media outlets since August 2024. These false reports include claims that Indian satellite channels were shut down in Bangladesh and that Muslims in Bangladesh were attacking Hindu temples. These claims were found to be completely false, further showcasing the gap between the Indian media narrative and the reality on the ground in Bangladesh.
In addition to fact-checking organizations, Bangladeshi leaders, including those from minority communities, have appeared on talk shows to counter the disinformation. These leaders have debunked the idea that Hindu minorities are being systematically persecuted, instead pointing to the political nature of attacks that often occur during elections or due to local power struggles. This perspective contrasts sharply with the more sensationalist portrayal of Bangladesh’s minority issues in Indian media, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complex socio-political context of the country.
The ongoing media war between India and Bangladesh is a stark reminder of the power of the media as a political tool. False reporting and the manipulation of public opinion can have significant implications not only for the political climate but also for economic relations and social cohesion. In this context, responsible journalism becomes crucial. Journalists and media outlets must be aware of the ethical responsibility they carry, especially when reporting on sensitive issues that have cross-border implications.
Both India and Bangladesh need to acknowledge the role of the media in shaping public perceptions and fostering misunderstandings. Moving forward, it is imperative that both countries work towards fostering balanced and accurate media reporting that takes into account the complex realities on the ground. Only then the media can serve its true purpose informing the public while contributing to peace and stability rather than exacerbating conflict and division.
Ultimately, the current state of media reporting between India and Bangladesh serves as a cautionary tale of how powerful narratives can be shaped by falsehoods and how they can impact international relations. Both countries should seriously understand the role of media and its responsibility as a pillar of governance.
