The Bangladeshi website Rumor Scanner plays a crucial role in exposing and debunking misinformation and propaganda, particularly allegations propagated by Indian media and social platforms. Their investigations are methodical, evidence-based, and aimed at promoting accurate information. Below, we highlight some of the propaganda claims they have debunked:
Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, India has allegedly intensified a propaganda campaign against Bangladesh, utilizing multiple fronts to tarnish its image. This effort appears to involve Indian media, the government, and political parties, all of which have joined forces to project Bangladesh in a negative light.
A particularly controversial statement came from the Chief Minister of West Bengal, who called for the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh—a move widely perceived as an infringement on the country’s sovereignty and an audacious overreach. This demand not only questions Bangladesh’s ability to maintain internal stability but also undermines its standing as a sovereign nation capable of handling its own affairs.
Ironically, while such rhetoric is being directed at Bangladesh, India itself faces numerous challenges regarding communal harmony. Minority communities in India, particularly Muslims and Christians, often find themselves under threat from extremist elements. Incidents of violence, displacement, and targeted attacks on the properties and wealth of minorities have been widely reported, raising serious questions about India’s own record on religious tolerance and human rights.
In contrast, Bangladesh has continued to demonstrate examples of communal harmony and coexistence, where different religious and cultural groups live side by side with relative peace. Despite challenges, the country has made efforts to uphold its pluralistic traditions, contrasting sharply with the growing sectarian tensions across the border.
The escalating propaganda from India seems to be a strategic attempt to deflect attention from its domestic issues while casting aspersions on its neighbour.
The Bangladeshi website Rumour Scanner plays a crucial role in exposing and debunking misinformation and propaganda, particularly allegations propagated by Indian media and social platforms. Their investigations are methodical, evidence-based, and aimed at promoting accurate information. Below, we highlight some of the propaganda claims they have debunked:
1. Alleged Attack on an Indian Passenger Bus in Brahmanbaria
Claim: Indian media reported that a Bangladeshi truck intentionally collided with an Indian passenger bus from the Shyamoli Paribahan line on the Dhaka-Agartala route. It was also alleged that local Bangladeshi residents threatened Indian passengers and raised anti-India slogans.
Rumour Scanner’s Findings:
The investigation revealed that the collision was due to reckless overtaking, not a deliberate act. Furthermore, there was no evidence of harassment or anti-India slogans. The claim was an exaggeration aimed at creating tensions between the two nations. This was further corroborated by a report from Bangladeshi news outlet Independent Television, titled “No attack on Indian bus, it was an accident.”
2. Misrepresentation of a Shrine Vandalism Incident as a Temple Attack
Claim: Videos circulating on Indian social media platforms claimed that Hindus in Bangladesh were facing persecution, showcasing footage of a supposed temple vandalism incident in Bangladesh.
Rumor Scanner’s Findings:
The circulated video was traced back to an incident in Sirajganj, where a local shrine, the Ali Pagla Mazar, was vandalized on August 29. This was not a temple but a Sufi Muslim shrine. The false narrative was intended to portray Bangladesh as hostile to religious minorities. Reports from credible Bangladeshi news sources, including Kalbela and Kaler Kantho, confirmed the actual details of the incident.
3. UN Peacekeeping Forces in Bangladesh
Claim: Statements from prominent Indian political figures, including the West Bengal Chief Minister, suggested the necessity of deploying UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh to address alleged communal unrest.
Rumour Scanner’s Findings:
This suggestion was deemed baseless and a gross overstatement. Bangladesh remains a stable country with mechanisms to manage its internal affairs. Such rhetoric appeared to be a political manoeuvre aimed at undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and exaggerating its internal challenges.
4. General Allegations of Minority Persecution in Bangladesh
Claim: Several Indian media outlets and social media accounts frequently claim that minorities, especially Hindus, are systematically persecuted in Bangladesh.
Rumour Scanner’s Findings:
While isolated incidents of communal tensions occur—as they do in many nations—Bangladesh has made significant efforts to promote communal harmony. In many cases, the claims of widespread or systemic persecution are either exaggerated or outright fabrications. Government and community initiatives in Bangladesh often focus on fostering inclusivity and protecting minority rights.
Rumor Scanner has consistently demonstrated the importance of fact-checking and evidence in countering misinformation. Their work highlights the dangers of propaganda in fostering division and underscores the need for responsible reporting to maintain cross-border peace and understanding.ple attack is false and misleading.
