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Dec

Persecution Of Hindus In Bangladesh : How True How False

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Prof Pradeep Mathur

New Delhi | Monday | 9 December 2024

Have we in India been fed false narratives about the persecution of the Hindu minority in neighboring Bangladesh? Are the stories about violence against Hindus and attacks on Hindu temples often exaggerated or even fabricated? According to Rumour Scanner, an independent fact-checking organization, between August 12 and December 5, thirteen false and misleading stories about Bangladesh were published by 49 Indian media outlets.

For almost four months since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime, Indian media has been rife with reports of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. However, the Bangladesh government and informed sources there assert that many of these reports are misleading or outright fake. The Indian media’s portrayal of Bangladesh significantly differs from narratives presented in Bangladeshi outlets.

It has been widely believed in India that the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime led to the rise of extremism in Bangladesh, with groups like Hizb ut-Tahrir becoming more active. Allegations have also surfaced about Bangladeshi officials’ connections with extremist groups. While the pro-Pakistan Jamaat-e-Islami supports the post-Sheikh Hasina establishment, portraying Bangladesh as an increasingly Islamist state has amplified anti-Hindu narratives. However, Bangladeshi observers argue that such framing is ironic, given the BJP government’s aspirations to transform India into a Hindu Rashtra.

 

Article at a Glance
The narrative surrounding the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh has come under scrutiny, with claims of exaggeration and misinformation prevalent in Indian media. According to Rumour Scanner, an independent fact-checking organization, 49 Indian outlets published 13 misleading stories about Bangladesh between August and December.
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime, reports of anti-Hindu violence surged, yet Bangladeshi officials argue that many incidents have been misrepresented. They assert that the violence was directed at supporters of Hasina, not specifically against Hindus. While isolated incidents of violence exist, the portrayal of systematic persecution is misleading.
The Indian media's lack of nuance has raised questions about its motivations, potentially linked to political strategies aimed at consolidating Hindu votes. As India seeks to mend relations with Bangladesh, a more balanced and fact-based approach to reporting is essential to preserve the historically friendly ties between the two nations.

 

Reports suggest that the mob violence in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster targeted her active supporters—Muslims and Hindus alike—rather than any specific community. The interim government of Dr. Mohammad Yunus has since restored the rule of law. Bangladeshi officials emphasize that the resentment was directed against India’s perceived support for Sheikh Hasina, who many in Bangladesh accuse of genocide, rather than against India itself.

While there have been isolated instances of violence, their scale and context have often been exaggerated. Sensationalized reports of vandalized temples and attacks on individuals have fueled a narrative of widespread persecution. Bangladeshi sources clarify that these incidents typically involve a few individuals, making the portrayal of systematic genocide misleading.

During a recent media interaction, Chief Advisor Dr. Mohammad Yunus extended an open invitation to Indian journalists to visit Bangladesh and report after assessing ground realities. However, Indian media’s response has been limited, raising questions about the motivations behind their coverage. Speculation abounds that the Indian establishment’s initial shock over the regime change in Bangladesh fueled conspiracy theories, attributing the upheaval to external influences, including the US and China.

The Indian media’s portrayal of Bangladesh often lacks nuance and context, leading to distorted perceptions. It has largely failed to counter misinformation or offer a balanced view. Acknowledging the challenges faced by minorities while recognizing the broader societal dynamics could have fostered a more accurate understanding of the situation.

The persistent narrative of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh raises questions about its intent. Was it part of a deliberate political strategy by the ruling BJP? Did pro-government media willingly collaborate, or were they simply used? These questions remain unanswered.

If the narrative was a calculated strategy, its purpose might have been to polarize and consolidate Hindu votes ahead of crucial elections, such as the Maharashtra Assembly polls. This tactic may have been deemed essential for the BJP’s political success, even at the cost of straining diplomatic ties with Bangladesh—a nation that has been India’s ally since its independence in 1971.

With the BJP’s resounding victory in Maharashtra and the installation of its Chief Minister, there are signs that the Indian government may now shift towards damage control. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Dhaka underscores efforts to mend bilateral relations. Misri has emphasized India’s desire for positive, constructive, and friendly ties with Bangladesh. It is expected that stories of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh will soon recede from Indian media narratives. After all, Bangladesh is considered a brother nation, and when dealing with family, it is essential to prioritize the bonds of shared history and kinship.

The portrayal of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh by Indian media appears to be a mix of misinformation, exaggeration, and political maneuvering. While genuine concerns about minority rights should not be dismissed, sensationalism undermines the complexities of Bangladesh’s societal and political landscape. A more nuanced and fact-based approach to reporting is essential for fostering understanding and preserving the historically friendly ties between the two nations.

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