If someone searches Bangladesh on YouTube lately most of the results on top 10 videos are negative information about Bangladesh like oppression of minorities, violence. Without a surprise they're all from Indian media or affiliated with India. When you scroll down and finally find some positive video about Bangladesh they're in Bengali. So now imagine yourself as a foreign investor or someone interested to know about Bangladesh. You go on YouTube and search Bangladesh to know about world's eight-most populous country what you see is an image of a unstable country drowned in violence oppression and extreme lack safety. What will your image of that country be! Will you invest or visit! Will you talk positively about that country!
Yes, misinformation campaigns, particularly those targeting Bangladesh's treatment of minorities, governance issues or internal stability have repeatedly tarnished its reputation on the international stage. Neighbour country, particularly India has repeatedly targeted us and our delayed and reactive responses have caused damages that go beyond what meet the eyes.
This article will delves into how the lack of Bangladesh's international media influence leaves it vulnerable to misinformation, the consequences, and the actionable steps to shift from a reactive to proactive strategy.
Bangladesh has a large population making it worlds eighth-most populous country and one of the fastest growing economies, but our global media representation is very limited and close to non-existent. We are not even in worlds top 20 countries in world media despite 8th country categorized by population. Global outlets rarely cover Bangladesh unless there is a crisis. Positive stories about its economic strides receive little to no attention compared to crisis coverage. This underrepresentation manifests in several ways:
Reactive response have always been Bangladesh's strategy and response to international allegations or misinformation, such as claims of minority oppression or political instability, resulting in a frequently delayed action. These responses come only after misinformation has spread widely, often through influential international platforms. For example, during the 2021 Durga Puja violence, videos and images were manipulated to portray widespread communal clashes, which was later proven to be false. These narratives spread rapidly across Indian media and beyond, drawing criticism from international organizations and stablish a narrative of intolerance before the government could issue clarifications. The same happened after our recent revolution painting a negative image of the country and our hard-earned revolution.
Most countries in the world with a large presence invest in media outlets. USA, UK, Australia, Qatar, Turkey and the list goes on. Even our neighbour India that has been targeting us with their misinformation and propaganda invested in media outlets to project their narrative globally. But if we look at Bangladesh despite being one of world most populated countries have none. This vacuum allows external actors, sometimes with competing interests, to dominate our narrative and paint out image however is beneficial for them, which is exactly what happened recently.
Social media platforms and influencers are now a significant part of our daily lives and a powerful tool in shaping the global narrative. Bangladesh has been slow to utilize these tools leaving a open space for misinformation
While we pride on our mother tongue, the world doesn't understand Bengali. So if we want to represent us properly we need to use a dialect most of the world understands. But our medias are predominantly in Bengali making it inaccessible for the global audience.
The lack of a proactive media presence has severe consequences for Bangladesh, affecting its diplomacy, economy, and social cohesion. Global reputations are shaped by media narratives. Bangladesh, often portrayed as unstable or intolerant, suffers significant reputational harm. For example:
A 2021 Pew Research Centre report revealed that nearly 60% of global respondents viewed South Asian countries as conflict-prone, with Bangladesh included in that perception.
Allegations of minority persecution during communal incidents are widely reported, mostly taken out of context and no follow up if proven wrong or of corrective measures.
Misinformation impacts foreign direct investment (FDI). Bangladesh attracted $2.9 billion in FDI in 2022, significantly lower than Vietnam's $27 billion, despite offering similar manufacturing advantages. Concerns over governance and instability, often fuelled by exaggerated narratives, deter investors.
Additionally, the ready-made garment industry, employing 4.5 million people, faces risks from negative publicity. For example, after the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy, several Western buyers reduced orders citing ethical concerns, showing how reputational damage directly affects livelihoods.
Countries with tarnished images struggle to maintain leverage in international diplomacy. Bangladesh's ability to influence global decisions whether on climate change, refugee management, or trade negotiations is weakened by persistent negative narratives
Bangladesh's traditional approach to misinformation clarifying or rebutting falsehoods after they have gone viral has proven inadequate for several reasons:
By the time Bangladesh issues statements or clarifications, the damage is already done. Narratives once established are difficult to dismantle, especially when they align with existing biases or geopolitical interests.
Statements issued in Bangla or through domestic media do not reach global audiences. Even when translated, these responses often fail to gain traction due to the absence of established partnerships with global media outlets.
Bangladesh lacks a real-time mechanism to monitor and counter misinformation as it emerges, particularly on digital platforms. This allows false narratives to proliferate unchecked.
Bangladesh should establish a Digital Media Monitoring Unit under the Ministry of Information to track global narratives in real time. Similar to India's PIB Fact Check, this unit can issue timely clarifications and counter misinformation.
Regular briefings for foreign correspondents stationed in South Asia can ensure accurate reporting. For instance, inviting journalists to observe communal harmony during festivals like Durga Puja or Eid can preempt negative coverage.
Official statements should be issued in English ensuring broader reach. For example, during the Rohingya crisis, statements addressing host-country challenges could have been amplified internationally if translated and disseminated through global media outlets.
Bangladesh could create an Al Jazeera-style network focusing on South Asia, broadcasting its achievements and countering false narratives. This investment, though substantial, would pay dividends in global influence. Hold weekly or biweekly briefings for both domestic and international media, providing updates on key issues and addressing concerns proactively. Equip government representatives and diplomats with the skills to handle media interactions effectively, ensuring consistent messaging. Partner with international PR firms or train a expert team to manage Bangladesh's global image and pitch positive stories to leading media outlets.
Bangladesh's lack of media presence left a void that is now being filled by countries with harming motives and damaging out global image. A negative image can be a hindrance for a export dependant country such as us. We should take proactive measures to fill in the vacuum and control our own narrative. Our passive stance can lead to damages that are hard to overcome if left as it is.
The writer is an entrepreneur
