A Nation's Silence and Submission: The Struggle for True Sovereignty

 No protest from Bangladesh against the persecution of Indian Muslims at the hands of Indian Hindus, while India continues to pressure and question Bangladesh with baseless claims of minority persecution within our borders.

Today’s meeting between the foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and India was yet another missed opportunity to deliver a firm and balanced message from the Bangladesh side. Instead, there was a clear eagerness to appease India, with one-sided commitments to expanding trade and business ties—essentially deepening our dependency on them.

As a nation, Bangladesh continues to demonstrate a concerning lack of assertiveness and remains far from achieving true sovereignty. This approach is both disappointing and alarming.

Bangladeshi Media and Government: A Crisis of Self-Respect

 

The media landscape in Bangladesh appears to have faltered significantly in addressing critical regional issues, particularly concerning the ongoing oppression and violence faced by Indian Muslims at the hands of Hindu extremist groups in India. Despite the severity of these incidents, Bangladeshi journalists and media outlets have largely failed to raise their voices or challenge these injustices effectively. This failure has allowed Indian media to propagate baseless allegations that Hindus in Bangladesh are being persecuted by Muslims—a narrative that is far removed from the truth.

Moreover, Indian TV news media has engaged in a tactic known as "gish-galloping," overwhelming their audience, Bangladeshi officials with a rapid series of misleading arguments and claims. This strategy has been used in interviews with Bangladeshi government representatives and political leaders, leaving them unable to counter the flood of disinformation adequately. At the same time, acts of hostility, such as attacks on Bangladeshi consulate offices and the burning of Bangladeshi flags by Hindu extremists in India, have further strained relations between the two nations.

This situation raises important questions about Bangladesh's response and its sense of national self-esteem. Instead of addressing these provocations assertively, Bangladesh has remained largely passive, missing opportunities to interrogate Indian officials and media for their role in spreading false narratives. This inaction suggests a deeper issue: a loss of confidence and self-respect among Bangladeshis, despite the country’s 90% Muslim majority and its historical struggle for independence.

India often underscores its role in Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971, framing itself as a benefactor that Bangladesh should remain perpetually grateful to. However, many argue that India’s involvement was driven by its strategic interest in weakening its rival, Pakistan, rather than solely by altruistic motives. Despite this, the Bangladeshi government has shown reluctance to critically examine or publicly acknowledge the complex dynamics of India’s involvement in its liberation.

To address these challenges, Bangladesh needs to engage in serious introspection. It must reclaim its sense of sovereignty and self-respect, ensuring that its media and leadership stand firm in representing the country’s interests on the global stage. Without this, the nation risks remaining vulnerable to external narratives and losing sight of its own identity and values. Needless to say, our enemy has been largely successful in achieving this objective.

Friday afternoon on Facebook: Bridging Brotherhood

In a recent interaction on a YouTube video commemorating Pakistan's National Day parade, I extended warm regards and admiration from my home country, Bangladesh. Expressing appreciation for Pakistan's military strength, discipline, patriotism, and commitment to Islam, I aimed to foster goodwill between our nations. However, what ensued was a familiar scenario, one that has become all too common in online spaces. Certain Indian commentators seized the opportunity to critique my gesture, questioning my loyalty as a Bangladeshi for acknowledging our departed brother’s military prowess.

This incident highlights a recurring phenomenon on the internet: the unwelcome intrusion of Indian commentators on Pakistani or Bangladeshi content. Their comments often carry a tone of intimidation and hostility, seemingly threatened by any display of camaraderie between our two brotherly nations. It appears that the prospect of Bangladesh and Pakistan rekindling their fraternal bond, despite historical complexities exacerbated by Indian intervention, unsettles these commentators.

Furthermore, these Indians frequently resurrect the painful history of Bangladesh's liberation war of 1971, repeatedly highlighting the disturbing history of massacres of innocent Bangladeshi people at the hands of the Pakistan Army. Such reminders serve to exacerbate tensions and hinder efforts towards reconciliation and mutual understanding.

In response to this recurring behavior, I propose a term to encapsulate this phenomenon: Ever (so) Intimidated Indians (EII). This term reflects the apparent unease and apprehension felt by certain Indian individuals when witnessing gestures of solidarity between Bangladesh and Pakistan. As citizens of our respective nations, it is imperative that we refrain from being provoked or swayed by the comments of the EIIs. Instead, let us continue to nurture and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that connect our people, undeterred by external interference.

In conclusion, while online platforms offer avenues for cross-cultural exchange and understanding, they also expose us to divisive rhetoric and unwarranted scrutiny. By remaining steadfast in our commitment to fostering amicable relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, we can overcome such challenges and pave the way for a future built on mutual respect and cooperation. #bangladeshpakistanbrotherhood