Nat’l unity triumphs over India’s propaganda
Reza Mahmud :
While most of the world welcomed the student-led mass uprising that ousted the dictatorship of the Hasina regime, neighbouring India began a campaign of misinformation to destabilise Bangladesh. False stories of alleged oppression against Hindus in Bangladesh were spread, leading to unrest.
At the same time, several other plots targeted the country in an attempt to undermine the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus. However, all of these conspiracies were thwarted. Experts say that the repeated attempts of the plotters were foiled due to the unity of the people and their vigilant efforts.
They noted that the country’s people have reinforced their unity while overcoming one conspiracy after another.
Professor Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain, a Standing Committee Member of the BNP, told The New Nation, “While anti-Bangladesh forces are conspiring to destabilise our country, it is high time we strengthen our national unity.” He stressed that national unity is essential, urging political parties and the people of Bangladesh to set aside differences for the country’s greater good.
Professor Mahbub Ullah, a former economics professor at Dhaka University, also spoke to The New Nation, saying, “Neighbouring India is conspiring to destabilise both the interim government and Bangladesh. The country has seen various incidents, including protests by Ansar forces, RMG workers, and other employees, many of which were instigated by foreign agencies and allies of the deposed Hasina regime.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami expressed its support for BNP’s call for national unity. Dr Shafiqul Rahman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, spoke to the media after meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. He reiterated his party’s backing for the creation of national unity, particularly on critical national issues.
Comrade Saiful Huq, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, also commented, stating, “Certain quarters, including from neighbouring India, attempted to create communal tensions in Bangladesh. However, our people have upheld national harmony with great patience.” He added that these plotters tried to tarnish Bangladesh’s image by attempting to disrupt the longstanding communal peace in the country, but the people remain vigilant in maintaining harmony.
Experts pointed out that numerous Indian media outlets have propagated false and fabricated stories about Bangladesh since the fall of the autocratic Hasina regime. International media and fact-checkers, including those from Germany-based DW, have revealed that these claims were intentionally fabricated. During recent protests in Bangladesh, old images of violent attacks on Hindus resurfaced online, further spreading disinformation. Fact-checking tools such as Google also exposed the spread of fake video footage from Indian media outlets.
In a recent incident in Chattogram, where a Hindu mob created chaos following the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON leader, one Muslim lawyer was killed. ISKCON Bangladesh clarified that Chinmoy had been expelled from the organisation months ago for breaching its rules and that the organisation bore no responsibility for his actions. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed ‘deep concern’ over his arrest and urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities.
In response, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing dismay at India’s remarks, clarifying that Chinmoy Krishna Das had been arrested on specific charges. Despite ISKCON’s disavowal of Chinmoy’s actions, the Awami League’s verified Facebook page called for his release.