India’s Propaganda and the Rise of a Free Bangladesh

Since the landmark event of August 5 this year, mass protests and public agitation have brought an end to Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s 15-year consecutive rule and 20 years of overall dominance in Bangladesh. Her regime, often criticized for its authoritarian tendencies, was overthrown through what is now referred to as the “Monsoon Revolution.” Spearheaded by the students of Dhaka University, the movement saw youth fearlessly prioritizing the future of their nation over their safety. The revolution gained global admiration, except for one notable dissenting voice—India.

Indian state-controlled media and certain so-called intellectuals on social media have since accused foreign intelligence agencies, particularly the CIA and Pakistan’s ISI, of orchestrating the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s regime. This narrative triggered a wave of propaganda and misinformation, primarily fueled by Modi’s pro-Hindutva supporters. They accused the people of Bangladesh of committing atrocities against Hindus, including mob violence, vandalism of worship sites, and alleged acts of genocide.

While incidents of mob lynching and violence did occur, they were isolated events targeting staunch supporters of the Awami League rather than being motivated by religious animosity. These acts of violence arose during a temporary power vacuum, which began to stabilize after the Nobel laureate-led interim government took charge on August 8. Since then, the law-and-order situation in Bangladesh has improved significantly. However, India continued to propagate its narrative of “Hindus are in danger,” amplifying anti-Bangladesh rhetoric and further straining relations between the two nations. India’s hostility stems from its apparent desire to maintain influence over Bangladesh by supporting regimes aligned with its strategic interests. This hegemony was starkly reflected in comments made by an Indian foreign minister, who controversially remarked that Bangladesh should have been an integral part of India rather than an independent nation. Such statements have fueled anger and reinforced perceptions of India’s condescending attitude toward Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

Tensions escalated further when ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) leader Chinmoy Roy raised a saffron flag over Bangladesh’s national flag, leading to his arrest on charges of sedition. India portrayed this as an attack on minority rights, fueling its propaganda campaign. When a lawyer linked to the case was killed, Indian media insinuated foul play, though it was later confirmed that the lawyer was not directly connected to Roy. ISKCON distanced itself from Roy, stating that he had been expelled due to unethical behavior. These events highlight how India capitalizes on incidents to undermine Bangladesh’s credibility and misrepresent its internal affairs.

India’s unease became evident during the death anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which was commemorated at Dhaka’s National Press Club. The event provoked sharp criticism from India, with some commentators hinting at the possibility of Bangladesh reverting to its East Pakistan identity—a notion dismissed outright by officials in Islamabad and Dhaka. Relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have improved under the interim government, further unsettling India, which perceives such developments as a challenge to its regional dominance.

India’s behavior is emblematic of its broader hegemonic ambitions. It seeks to subordinate its smaller neighbors, limiting their ability to pursue independent foreign policies. This strategy is driven by a desire to use these nations as tools for achieving India’s regional objectives. Through a combination of misinformation, propaganda warfare, and political interference, India aims to destabilize Bangladesh and maintain influence over its political landscape. The interim head of Bangladesh’s government has called for national unity among political parties, civil society, and other stakeholders to resist Indian interference. He emphasized the need to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty and rebuild its international reputation by countering false narratives and promoting truth. The people of Bangladesh, along with their military and government institutions, must stand firm against these external pressures and uphold their nation’s independence.

In conclusion, the toppling of Sheikh Hasina’s regime represents a historic moment for Bangladesh, achieved through the courage and determination of its youth. However, the aftermath has exposed the extent of India’s unease with a sovereign and independent Bangladesh. The propagation of false narratives and continued interference underscore India’s reluctance to accept its neighbor’s autonomy. It is now up to the people of Bangladesh to unite, support their interim government, and dismantle the propaganda machinery working against their nation’s interests. Only through resilience and collective action can Bangladesh solidify its standing as a truly independent state free from external domination.

Fahad Chandio

The author is a student of LL.B. 4^th semester at Bahria University, Islamabad.

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