ছবি: File photo
Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Choudhury expressed concern over constant negative portrayals of Bangladesh by Indian media. He specifically referenced recent remarks made by India’s “Republic Bangla” channel regarding the Chittagong Hill Tracts, confirming that the Bangladesh government will take formal action on the issue.
The adviser made these comments during a press briefing held Thursday afternoon following a meeting on law and order at the Barishal District Police Lines drill shed. He assured that a formal protest would be lodged, with the Ministry of Home Affairs informing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to officially convey Bangladesh’s position to India. "We will issue a strong protest letter," said Choudhury.
He acknowledged that Barishal has a relatively better law-and-order situation compared to other areas, though he urged against the blocking of roads as a form of protest, suggesting instead that grievances be raised through proper channels. "It is important to avoid causing public inconvenience through roadblocks," he added.
The issue of false reports recently surfaced on November 12, when the West Bengal-based media channel “Republic Bangla” released a YouTube segment titled, “Will Chittagong Become a Separate State? Time to Correct Mountbatten-Nehru Mistakes? India’s Intervention Necessary?” In the segment, presenter Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh, speaking passionately, claimed that Chittagong is strategically important for northeastern India due to its proximity to Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, and that India could benefit from having access to Chittagong’s port to reduce transportation costs.
In response, Choudhury stated that a formal protest would be filed and emphasized the need to remain vigilant against false narratives. "Indian media has been consistently spreading misinformation about us, and I urge everyone to stay alert," he said.
Addressing journalists, the Home Affairs Adviser encouraged truthful reporting, expressing willingness to address any criticism as long as it was based on facts. “If we make a mistake, point it out, and we will rectify it. But please avoid spreading false information, as the truth eventually comes to light," he stated.
He noted that the Indian media's continued misinformation has eroded public trust to the point where even accurate reports from Indian sources are now doubted. He called on the media to counter such false narratives, emphasizing, "You, the media, are our greatest strength in protesting this misinformation."
The session was attended by Police Chief (IGP) Moinul Islam, Director General of RAB A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman, Barishal Divisional Commissioner Md. Raihan Kawsar, and Brigadier General Amirul Azim of Barishal Cantonment's 7th Infantry Division.
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