Bangladeshi diasporas urge national unity to tackle misinformation campaign by fallen regime

A group of Bangladeshi diasporas have urged national unity to tackle the "misinformation campaign by the forces of the fallen regime."

Four organisations — Diaspora Alliance for Democracy, Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN), Bangladesh: Against Fascists, and Sydney Policy and Analysis Centre — issued a statement in this regard today (30 November).

Among others, the statement is signed by Dr Rumi Ahmed Khan, professor of Bangladesh Studies, physician, convener of BRAIN; Dr Shamaruh Mirza, scientist and activist, founder of Diaspora Alliance for Democracy; Dr Shafiqur Rahman, writer and activist; Ehteshamul Haque, lawyer; and Jyoti Rahman, economist and writer.

"Bangladesh experienced a new beginning on 5 August 2024 when the despotic regime fell in the face of a historic people's uprising and Sheikh Hasina fled the country. The interim administration, headed by Professor Yunus, enjoys widespread support among all segments of the society. The nation faces an urgent task of restoring confidence and trust in all institutions of the state, rebuilding the economy, and carrying out necessary reforms that will pave the way for a democratic transition," read the statement. 

Against this backdrop, the forces of the fallen regime, with overt and covert support of their foreign patrons, are actively sowing divisions in the country through spreading misinformation and disinformation and instigating violence, it said.

In particular, there is a concerted campaign of exaggerated, embellished, and, at times, deliberately false reports of persecution of minority communities in Bangladesh, read the statement.

"This propaganda unfortunately resulted in the brutal murder of Saiful Islam, a public prosecutor, in Chattogram on 26 November 2024," it read.

"We unequivocally condemn this murder, and demand a prompt and thorough investigation, and punishment of the perpetrators," said the diasporas.

They also said there has been a fear of reprisals against minority communities against the solemn backdrop of the tragedy, and communal tensions leading up to it. 

"Any communal violence would lend credence to the propaganda against Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh, however, have shown utmost restraint and have resolutely thwarted any further escalation of violence," read their statement.

"The murderers do not represent any sect, creed, or religion. But they could well be agents of the fallen despot Sheikh Hasina and her patrons. If the investigation unearths this to be the case, it will confirm that the ousted despot is a direct threat to the national unity, sovereignty, and security of Bangladesh," said the statement.

"The situation remains volatile. The ousted dictator remains free, while her cronies continue to enjoy their ill-gotten billions. From her secluded hideout in India, Hasina continues to make menacing threats toward Bangladesh. 

"In this context, all pro-democracy forces must exercise patience and restraint while we pursue our aims to rebuild Bangladesh. Any incendiary calls or activities could add fuel to the fire and help the fallen despot. Moreover, we are yet to dig out of the great economic black hole the Hasina regime has left our country in. Communal or political violence would only make our economic situation far worse, scaring away domestic and foreign investment that are badly needed at this moment," read the statement further. 

"We urge all Bangladeshis, irrespective of religion, political affiliation, ideology, gender, age or any other characteristics, to maintain national unity in the face of this threat. We express our solidarity for the unified voice in Bangladesh," concluded the statement.