Indian media undermine their credibility while covering Bangladesh

Journalism is often regarded as one of the most prestigious professions in the world. It informs the public about current events and helps people understand their rights. As the voice for all segments of society, especially the voiceless, journalism serves as a crucial bridge between governments and their citizens globally. It is referred to as the "fourth estate" of society.

This vital role of journalism has immense potential to effect change in the world, transforming ideas, thought patterns, and lifestyles. The term "fourth estate" emphasises the independence of journalism, highlighting its influence on the political system despite being a segment of society.

With this great honour and responsibility comes the expectation for journalists to adhere strictly to professional principles and ethical codes. Journalists worldwide generally uphold these standards, although deviations can occur. Recently, however, some Indian media outlets have exhibited significant violations of journalistic ethics and principles.

Following the mass uprising that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh to seek refuge in India last August, Indian media have become fixated on creating fictitious narratives about Bangladesh and its people.

Free, fair, and objective journalism is vital for democracy. The people of Bangladesh expect at least objective and responsible reporting from Indian media, particularly as India is the largest democracy in the world.

Contrary to these expectations and their ethical obligations, a total of 49 Indian media outlets were identified for spreading 13 fake news stories between August 12 and December 5, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime. An investigation by Rumor Scanner, a fact-checking organisation, revealed that "Following the fall of the Awami League government, Indian media outlets began circulating a series of rumours about the situation in Bangladesh."

On this list, Republic Bangla topped the rankings by broadcasting five rumours. Hindustan Times, Zee News, and LiveMint closely followed, each disseminating three rumours. Additionally, Republic, India Today, ABP Anand, and Aaj Tak each aired two rumours.

The Code of Ethics for Journalists explicitly prohibits contributing to conflict escalation, engaging in information wars, or using inflammatory language that dehumanises others. However, many Indian media outlets have egregiously violated this code, running provocative stories that perpetuate false narratives about alleged minority oppression in Bangladesh. Their actions resemble that of a bull in a china shop.

Numerous fabricated stories have emerged from Indian media. The Rumor Scanner has effectively debunked many of these fake news reports. Their findings include:

1. Indian media circulated a fake open letter attributed to Sheikh Hasina after her resignation.
2. A video of a Muslim man searching for his missing son was falsely claimed to involve a Hindu person.
3. False reports claimed Dr. Muhammad Yunus was admitted to the ICU.
4. Unfounded allegations were made regarding the lifting of a ban on militant organisations in Bangladesh.
5. A fabricated story suggested Dr. Yunus fled to France after Trump's victory.
6. There were false claims of arms being smuggled into Bangladesh via a Pakistani ship.
7. Misrepresentation of slain lawyer Saiful Islam as Chinmoy Krishna's lawyer.
8. Rumours circulated about Indian television channels being banned in Bangladesh.
9. A video of idol immersion in India was misrepresented as being a response to supposed attacks on Hindu idols in Bangladesh.
10. There were false claims of an attack on a Shyamoli Paribahan bus.
11. Fabricated reports suggested an assault on Chinmoy Krishna's lawyer.
12. Misleading news reported that the UK issued a travel advisory due to potential terrorist attacks in Bangladesh.

Moreover, a host from the Republic Bangla has gained notoriety for repeatedly threatening on air to occupy various parts of Bangladesh within minutes. This has led to mockery on social media for his provocative statements.

This is not the first instance of Indian media engaging in jingoism while breaching ethical journalism standards. Even during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, Kolkata-based Bengali daily Anandabazar Patrika crossed the line of decency, publishing a derogatory story about Bangladesh-China bilateral cooperation in 2020.

New Age, a leading English newspaper in Bangladesh, reported on a controversial story published by Anandabazar Patrika. The report highlighted how Anandabazar's biased perspective undermined the professionalism expected from journalists. It noted that in a piece titled "Beijing Taking Dhaka to Its Side After Ladakh," published on June 20, the newspaper referred to China’s recent decision to grant duty-free access to 5,161 Bangladeshi products, shortly after clashes with India over the disputed Himalayan border region of Ladakh, as "alms." This choice of words sparked outrage on social media, with many Bangladeshi readers expressing their anger.

In response to the backlash, Anandabazar later issued an apology for using derogatory language regarding Bangladesh. In an erratum published on its editorial page, the Indian newspaper stated, "Many readers have informed us that they were hurt by the use of the word ‘alms’ in the report ‘Beijing Taking Dhaka to Its Side After Ladakh (20-6, p-8).' We are sorry for this inadvertent mistake and seek an unconditional apology."

Such practices led to concerns about the objectivity of Indian media outlets, as many now perceive them to be functioning as propaganda tools for the Indian government. This shift has not only damaged their credibility but has also diminished the standards of objective journalism practiced globally, jeopardising the efforts and sacrifices of dedicated journalists. Indian media should recognise the importance of honouring these sacrifices rather than belittling the profession.

- The author is a journalist and columnist from Bangladesh. He can be reached by email address: smehassan@gmail.com