Indian media, AL spreading disinformation about Bangladesh: Press Secretary

Indian media outlets and the ousted Awami League are spreading disinformation about Bangladesh, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said today (2 February).

"We have seen newspapers, including a prominent one, publishing false information, despite it being among the most widely read Bengali dailies in India.

India is deliberately spreading misinformation and disinformation," he said while speaking at a policy conclave titled 'Misinformation: Challenges to Governance and Democracy' at the central auditorium of Dhaka International University.

The event was organised by the Dhaka International University Journalists' Association (DIUCA).

Shafiqul Alam said disinformation was originating from both local and external sources.

"For the first time in 18 months, we have observed Indian media circulating alarming false narratives about Bangladesh. No government in our 54-year history has faced such a situation. They spread lies every day, fuel hatred, and even major Indian dailies and television channels are involved. This poses a serious threat to our government and democracy," he said.

The Press Secretary said that while the government is working towards smooth democratic transitions and fair elections, a narrative is being created abroad suggesting that minorities would not be safe even if democracy is restored in Bangladesh.

Daily Protidin Editor Maruf Kamal Khan stressed the media's responsibility in countering disinformation.

"We often talk about the 'media', but for a long time we failed to speak for the common people. Instead, we promoted one side and tried to eliminate the other, which itself contributed to misinformation. Even after the end of the fascist system, we have not fully freed ourselves from that mindset. The media must become the true voice of the people," he said.

DIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Zahidul Islam said the AI era has significantly amplified disinformation, leaving the state confused and vulnerable.

Chairman of DIU's Media Studies Department, Dr Sheikh Mohammad Shafiul Islam, described misinformation as a structural crisis reinforced by social media algorithms, political polarisation and weak media literacy.

He called for a combined approach involving strong media policies, education reforms and the development of critical thinking to address the challenge.

Mahfuzur Rahman, Editor of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), and Fasih Uddin Mahtab, former President of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BASF), among others, spoke at the event.

The programme wrapped up with the M I Patwari Best Reporting Awards being presented to the top four journalists of 2025.