Journalism, often described as the “fourth pillar” of democracy, plays an indispensable role in shaping public discourse, holding power to account, and fostering understanding between nations. However, when misused as a vehicle for disinformation, its impact becomes detrimental, exacerbating divisions and perpetuating falsehoods. Recent examples of Indian media’s portrayal of Bangladesh highlight the dangerous consequences of such practices, particularly concerning alleged minority oppression. Through selective storytelling, visual manipulation, and unverified claims, Indian media outlets have created a distorted narrative, straining bilateral relations and fueling regional tensions.
A recent interview conducted by India Today with Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to Bangladesh’s chief adviser, provides a stark example of how narratives can be shaped to fit preconceived agendas. The interview began with a loaded introduction, describing Alam as someone who denies the existence of “Hindu hate” in Bangladesh. This framing not only casts doubt on Alam’s credibility but also signals to the audience that the discussion will revolve around proving or disproving a narrative that is already presumed to be true.
From the outset, the questions were framed around unverified allegations. The interviewer, Gaurav Sawant, claimed there was a “sharp rise” in attacks on minorities in Bangladesh without offering concrete evidence. By treating such claims as established facts, the interview created a premise that was difficult for the interviewee to counter effectively within the constraints of a live broadcast. This strategy exemplifies how media can set the tone of a discussion to align with a particular agenda, often leaving little room for nuance or alternative perspectives.
In addition to the verbal framing of the narrative, the interview relied heavily on visuals to reinforce its message. During Alam’s responses, India Today displayed images and captions suggesting a rise in violence against minorities in Bangladesh. One such caption alleged that Ramen Roy, a Supreme Court lawyer, was targeted for representing Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON monk. However, the reality is that Roy’s attack occurred during a politically charged protest and had no connection to religious tensions. By presenting unrelated events as evidence of a broader pattern of minority-targeted violence, the visuals manipulated the audience’s perception. The emotional impact of such images, coupled with the interviewer’s leading questions, made it challenging for Alam to provide a balanced and comprehensive response.
The practice of using visuals to mislead audiences is not limited to a single instance. In an interview conducted by NDTV, unrelated footage from earlier protests in Bangladesh was aired as supposed evidence of ongoing violence against minorities. The strategic use of out-of-context visuals to evoke outrage or sympathy is a hallmark of disinformation campaigns, as it allows media outlets to shape narratives without relying on factual accuracy.
The use of disinformation to construct a biased narrative about Bangladesh aligns with broader political and ideological goals in India. Under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s domestic and foreign policies have increasingly emphasized Hindu nationalism. By portraying Bangladesh as a hostile environment for Hindus, Indian media supports the BJP’s narrative of Hindu victimhood, bolstering its appeal to its core voter base. This strategy also seeks to position India as a global defender of Hindus, enhancing its soft power while diverting attention from domestic challenges. India has faced significant criticism for its treatment of minorities, with reports of rising communal violence, discriminatory policies, and hate speech under the BJP government. Highlighting alleged minority oppression in neighboring countries provides a convenient distraction from these internal issues.
For Bangladesh, the consequences of this narrative are far-reaching. The portrayal of the country as intolerant undermines its efforts to foster communal harmony and damages its international reputation. Furthermore, it creates unnecessary tensions in India-Bangladesh relations, which have historically been marked by cooperation and mutual respect. The increasing prevalence of disinformation in Indian media is indicative of a broader decline in journalistic integrity. While India has a long tradition of independent and courageous journalism, recent years have seen a shift towards sensationalism and propaganda.
Prominent journalists like Karan Thapar and Rajdeep Sardesai have voiced their concerns about this trend. In an interview with The Wire, Sardesai lamented the transformation of Indian media into a vehicle for political agendas, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based reporting and journalistic ethics. Despite the efforts of credible journalists to uphold these standards, their voices are often drowned out by the clamor of sensationalist coverage. The impact of this decline extends beyond the media industry. When journalism prioritizes sensationalism over accuracy, it erodes public trust and fuels polarization. In the context of India-Bangladesh relations, this trend exacerbates existing tensions and undermines efforts to build mutual understanding.
The manipulation of media narratives to serve political agendas is a disservice to both journalism and diplomacy. The recent portrayal of Bangladesh by Indian media highlights the dangers of disinformation, from distorting public perception to undermining regional stability. By embracing ethical journalism and fostering truthful narratives, both nations can work towards a future of cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect. The media, as a powerful institution, must reclaim its role as a pillar of democracy, committed to truth and accountability.