Foreign advisor seeks expats’ help to counter ‘anti-Bangladesh campaign’ in Indian media

Since Sheikh Hasina's ouster, India is cautious about the current government, he says

Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain has called the Indian media's portrayal of the burning of minority homes in Bangladesh a “violent anti-Bangladesh campaign” and sought the help of the diaspora to counter it.

The advisor claimed the incidents that have taken place in Bangladesh were “due to political identity, not religious reasons”.

He also claimed a higher number of Muslims were under attack.

Touhid said despite the government's response to those incidents, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus himself has not been spared from India's "false propaganda".

Expressing his helplessness, he appealed to the Bangladeshi diaspora, saying, "You have seen how fiercely the anti-Bangladesh campaign has been going on globally over the past four months, with the Indian media playing a central role in it.

"We understand the role and influence of the Indian media. Their statements are being boosted by the Indian diaspora and propagated in various countries."

He made these remarks as chief guest during the inauguration of the “Branding Bangladesh” World Conference Series, organised by the Centre for Non Resident Bangladeshis at a hotel in Dhaka.

A student-led mass uprising brought the curtains down on the 16-year Awami League rule and forced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, seen as a close ally of India, to flee to the neighbouring country.

Since then, India's diplomatic relations with Bangladesh have strained, given its historically strong ties with the previous administration.

In addition, India has raised concerns about alleged attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh.

The advisor said, “I think you (the diaspora) have a role here. Although we’re aware that most of their news is false, propaganda is being spread against Bangladesh based on this.

"Observing their media, one might think a state of war is prevailing in Bangladesh."

"They are attempting to portray Hindus as being indiscriminately slaughtered and their homes looted."

"I request you to counter this completely false propaganda whenever possible.

“During times of significant change, some unfortunate incidents do occur. However, if ten houses were set on fire, eight of them were Muslim homes, but that is not being spoken about."

“It is being said that only Hindu houses were set on fire. Which were done solely because of the owners’ political identities instead of religious ones,” he added.

Touhid asked the expatriates to highlight the “correct situation” and said, “I think the diaspora, the NRBs we have, must take this responsibility.

"Muhammad Yunus is also being targeted, with claims that he is inactive and other similar allegations.

"Measures have been taken to address the incidents that have occurred, and we are working to respond to any new incidents as they arise.

“I urge you to emphasise this and recognise your role in combating disinformation and misinformation,” the foreign advisor added.