CA’s Press Wing Rejects Ananda Bazar Report on Army

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has firmly dismissed a recent report by the Indian newspaper Ananda Bazar Patrika concerning the Bangladesh Army, calling it misleading and factually inaccurate. In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page on Friday, the Press Wing criticized the report for misrepresenting facts and spreading false information about Bangladesh’s military.

The Press Wing’s post argued that the report was part of a broader strategy of "hybrid warfare," a term used to describe information operations designed to sow discord. The statement claimed that Indian media, in this case, Ananda Bazar, is engaging in such tactics to support Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing government and discredit the people and institutions of Bangladesh. The post alluded to events in July and August, which marked significant changes in the country’s leadership, suggesting that these narratives are aimed at undermining the nation’s sovereignty.

"Hybrid warfare uses disinformation to divide its targets, both internally and from their natural allies," the post explained. "A disinformation campaign typically starts with fabricated stories, often without evidence and attributed to unnamed sources. These stories then spread through pliable media outlets and gain false credibility. When people start believing these fabricated tales, the operation is considered successful, driving people to act against the adversary."

The Press Wing described the adversary as the people of Bangladesh, whose desire for self-governance is being undermined by foreign-backed narratives. Referring to the Ananda Bazar report, the post stated, "The story about the Bangladesh Army is no more grounded in reality than a Bollywood romantic comedy."

It continued with a pointed message to Ananda Bazar: "You must decide whether to practice genuine journalism—based on facts and evidence—or to promote harmful fictions that undermine the sovereignty and dignity of a neighboring nation."

The Press Wing also reaffirmed the Bangladesh government’s commitment to transparency and open dialogue with the media. It stressed the importance of responsible journalism and urged cooperation among regional media to prevent the spread of misleading and unfounded information. Authorities continue to closely monitor the circulation of such false narratives, emphasizing the need for accurate and ethical reporting in the region.