Myth vs. Reality: Indian media's misrepresentation of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a nation founded on secular principles, has long been home to a diverse tapestry of cultures and religions. The Hindu minority, constituting approximately 8% of the population, has historically coexisted peacefully with the Muslim majority. However, after the recent political transition in Bangladesh, this community has increasingly been drawn into regional political narratives by Indian media and political actors for domestic political gains, often at the cost of regional harmony and accurate representation.

Misinformation Amid Political Transition

In 2024, Bangladesh experienced significant political upheaval, including student-led uprisings, the fall of the Awami League government, and the establishment of an interim administration under Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This period was accompanied by a surge in misinformation, with Indian media systematically fabricating stories of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh. Fact-checking organizations like Rumor Scanner debunked numerous instances where unrelated images and videos were falsely linked to claims of Hindu oppression. One such case involved a viral video falsely alleging that Hindu women and children in Bangladesh were raped and killed by Muslim mobs; however, it was later confirmed that the footage depicted a religious festival stampede in Uttar Pradesh, India, where over 120 people died. Similarly, false reports claimed that Dr. Yunus had been hospitalized in the ICU and later fled to France after Donald Trump’s election victory, a baseless narrative aimed at discrediting Bangladesh’s leadership. Another misrepresentation involved the arrest of ISKCON-affiliated leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, which was widely portrayed as an instance of anti-Hindu persecution. However, investigations revealed that Das was no longer associated with ISKCON and had been under scrutiny for unrelated legal matters, leading even ISKCON’s global leadership to distance itself from him. Despite these facts, Indian media and right-wing political figures exploited the case to falsely depict Bangladesh as hostile to Hindus, fueling unnecessary communal tensions and misinformation.

In addition to minority issues, another recurring narrative in Indian media revolves around Bangladeshi illegal migration. A recent article claimed that 20 million Bangladeshi migrants were illegally living in India and that the influx was due to “persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. The claim that 20 million Bangladeshis live illegally in India lacks any verifiable source. Indian government estimates have widely fluctuated, and independent studies contradict such exaggerated figures. The article falsely conflates the 10 million refugees who fled to India during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 with modern migration trends. Most of those refugees returned to Bangladesh after independence, but the narrative is often distorted to justify present-day anti-immigration policies.

The deliberate framing of Hindu minority issues in Bangladesh by sections of the Indian media serves more than just journalistic objectives—it reflects a broader geopolitical strategy. India’s political discourse, particularly under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has amplified the narrative of Hindu persecution abroad to serve domestic objectives. By presenting Hindus in Bangladesh as victims, the BJP seeks to strengthen its voter base and justify controversial policies while projecting Bangladesh as a country in turmoil. As Bangladesh strengthens its economy and global influence, portraying the country as unstable and unsafe for minorities serves as a tool to weaken its diplomatic leverage. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which provides expedited citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, is frequently justified through claims of widespread Hindu persecution in Bangladesh. Focusing on external issues like Hindu persecution abroad diverts attention from internal challenges in India, such as rising communal tensions and social polarization. While India projects itself as a protector of Hindus abroad, recent diplomatic interactions indicate that minority rights issues take a backseat in realpolitik. A recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2025 notably avoided discussions on human rights and religious freedoms. This silence from major international players exposes India’s selective approach to minority rights—where it criticizes alleged abuses abroad while ignoring its own challenges.

Impact on Bilateral Relations

The politicization of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh has significant repercussions for India-Bangladesh relations. The repeated spread of misinformation creates distrust between India and Bangladesh, complicating diplomatic cooperation on critical issues like trade, water sharing, and regional security. Misinformation does not just affect India-Bangladesh relations—it also creates unnecessary panic among Hindus in Bangladesh, making them feel vulnerable even when no real threat exists. Both Hindu nationalist groups in India and Islamist groups in Bangladesh exploit these narratives to fuel communal tensions, leading to further polarization. Besides, South Asia’s stability relies heavily on strong India-Bangladesh relations. The weaponization of religious identity hampers the potential for regional cooperation, from economic initiatives to climate resilience strategies.

Countering Misinformation: What Bangladesh Can Do

For India and Bangladesh to foster a truly cooperative relationship, both nations must prioritize truth and mutual respect over political opportunism. India, as a regional leader, has a responsibility to engage with its neighbors constructively rather than exploiting minority issues for domestic gain. Both nations should work together on common challenges like economic development, climate change, and regional security, shifting the focus away from divisive issues. To counter misinformation, Bangladesh must issue official rebuttals and engage in direct diplomatic dialogue with India, ensuring that false narratives are addressed at the highest levels. Additionally, formal protests should be lodged with media houses responsible for spreading misleading reports. Strengthening Bangladesh’s international media presence is also crucial; expanding English-language media outlets and ensuring their stories reach global audiences can help counteract misinformation. A more aggressive approach to social media and international platforms will allow Bangladesh to debunk false claims in real time. Furthermore, investing in fact-checking and public awareness campaigns is essential—supporting initiatives like Rumor Scanner can enhance misinformation detection, while promoting digital literacy programs will empower citizens to differentiate between credible news and propaganda. By implementing these measures, Bangladesh can safeguard its reputation and promote a more truthful and balanced regional discourse.

The Hindu minority in Bangladesh must be protected based on reality, not as a pawn in political games. The sensationalist narratives pushed by sections of Indian media and political actors do more harm than good, sowing mistrust and communal divisions. For both India and Bangladesh to strengthen diplomatic ties, media organizations must uphold ethical journalism, governments must engage in truthful diplomacy, and misinformation must be actively debunked. By prioritizing fact over fiction, both nations can foster regional stability and mutual trust, rather than fueling unnecessary tensions.

Source: Pressenza