Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday called for independent investigations by media outlets and rights organizations into reports of violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu community in the aftermath of the recent revolution.
Alam expressed concern over the portrayal of Bangladesh in international media and at parliamentary hearings in influential nations. "Some even call for sending UN peacekeepers to Bangladesh—or intervening in the country—based on these reports," he noted, emphasizing the need for “fair investigations.”
He encouraged independent newspapers and organizations to verify the claims themselves. "If the government does the debunking job, there are strong chances that its reports will be seen with some sort of skepticism," Alam said.
The Press Secretary criticized the Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Unity Council for "systematically exaggerating" incidents of violence against minorities. He cited a recent Netra News investigation that debunked the Council’s claims regarding nine alleged Hindu deaths, revealing they were linked to political, personal, or other causes rather than communal hatred.
"The Unity Council’s reports have a far-reaching impact," Alam said, noting that one of their reports on post-revolution violence was cited over 11 million times on social media. According to Alam, influential Hindu American groups, Indian media outlets, and commentators frequently reference these reports, further amplifying misinformation.
Alam acknowledged the reality of violence and discrimination faced by minorities in Bangladesh. “We are still not the ideal country as far as communal harmony is concerned,” he said, adding that incidents triggered by allegedly blasphemous Facebook posts continue to occur.
However, he highlighted efforts by political, religious, and civil society leaders to maintain calm during religious tensions. “Some of us have shown extraordinary political maturity in these events,” Alam stated in a Facebook post.
Alam urged international rights groups such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International to investigate the alleged cases independently, pointing to HRW’s credible work on the 2013 Hefazat massacre.
The Press Secretary also pointed to a “controversial report” by the Unity Council in July, which similarly exaggerated violence against minorities. Alam observed that these reports influence international discourse, citing a recent instance where a British MP referred to one in a parliamentary discussion.
Despite the criticism, Alam expressed hope that secular and liberal newspapers, as well as international rights organizations, would conduct independent investigations to ensure accurate reporting on religious violence in Bangladesh.
(Source: UNB)
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
