The Bangladesh Army has condemned a recent report published in some Indian media outlets. The report has been termed as completely false and a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at tarnishing the stability and reputation of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Armed Forces. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said this in a press release on Tuesday (March 11).
The ISPR release said, “The Bangladesh Army has noted with deep concern the recent baseless reports published in some Indian media outlets including The Economic Times and India Today. The reports have claimed that there is a possibility of a coup within the Bangladesh Army and the chain of command may break down.” It said, “We clearly state that the Bangladesh Army is strong, united and fully committed to performing its constitutional duties under the able leadership of the Army Chief. The chain of command of the army is strong and all members of the Bangladesh Army, including senior generals, are steadfast in their loyalty to the constitution, the chain of command and the people of Bangladesh. Any allegation of disunity or disloyalty within the army is completely fabricated and malicious.’
It further said, ‘Such fabricated and baseless reports raise serious questions about the motives and credibility of these media outlets.’
The army said, ‘It is particularly worrying that The Economic Times has repeatedly indulged in such misleading propaganda. Earlier, the same media outlet had published such false reports on January 26 this year.’
The statement said, ‘Several online portals and some controversial television channels have also carried out this false propaganda, which has further strengthened the misleading propaganda. Instead of adhering to the principles of responsible journalism, they seem to be acting as a tool to spread misinformation and create distrust between the Bangladesh Army and the people of Bangladesh.’
The Bangladesh Army said, ‘We call upon these Indian media outlets to practice good journalism and refrain from publishing sensational stories without verification. “It is hoped that they should have contacted the ISPR for comment before publishing such a report. The ISPR always provides accurate and official information about the Bangladesh Army.”
