Summary:
- Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam urges journalists to counter misinformation from Indian media by telling Bangladesh’s story authentically.
- Alam emphasizes the importance of truth in combating what he calls an “industrial-scale misinformation campaign” from certain Indian outlets.
- He highlights the need for more journalists, including women, to engage with Indian media to present Bangladesh’s perspective.
- Alam reassures that despite fears of intimidation, empowered truth can effectively challenge misinformation narratives.
In a recent statement, Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, has called for a concerted effort by journalists to counteract what he describes as an “industrial-scale misinformation campaign” by certain Indian media outlets. This appeal was made in a Facebook post from Alam’s verified account, where he emphasized the importance of presenting Bangladesh’s narrative independently to prevent external influences from shaping it.
Alam highlighted the need for more journalists, including women reporters and editors, to engage directly with Indian media platforms. He stressed that this engagement is crucial for countering misinformation and ensuring that the stories of Bangladesh are told authentically. “We must tell our stories in our own way. Otherwise, they will shape the narrative to suit their agenda,” Alam stated, underscoring the power of truth in overcoming misinformation.
The Press Secretary pointed out that some journalists have already begun to engage with Indian media, particularly its outspoken television channels. Despite initial fears about confronting aggressive rhetoric, these journalists have managed to present Bangladesh’s perspective assertively. Alam expressed satisfaction with these efforts and encouraged more journalists to join in this endeavor.
In his post, Alam referenced the recent overthrow of a “brutal dictatorship,” describing it as one of history’s most remarkable revolutions. He used this example to illustrate the intelligence and capability of people on India’s eastern border, urging Indians to recognize this fact.
Alam acknowledged the challenges posed by misinformation and intimidation but urged resilience among journalists. He dismissed notions that Indians are inherently smarter, asserting that being empowered by truth is a formidable defense against misinformation campaigns. “Some might think Indians are inherently smarter. But believe me, when you are empowered by the truth, no misinformation campaign can defeat you,” he affirmed.
This call to action comes amid ongoing tensions between Bangladesh and certain Indian media outlets, which have been accused of spreading false narratives about Bangladesh’s political and social landscape. Alam’s statement reflects a broader effort by Bangladeshi authorities to assert their narrative on the international stage and protect their country’s image from external distortion.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
