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.