In recent days, Bangladesh has found itself at the center of an intensifying information warfare campaign originating from Indian media. Amid this onslaught of disinformation, the challenge of safeguarding the nation’s reputation and combating false narratives looms large, made all the more difficult by the constraints of its limited resources. However, despite these constraints, there are numerous intelligent and cost-effective strategies that Bangladesh can employ to navigate this crisis, ensure resilience against future disinformation efforts, and protect its national narrative on the global stage. The key lies in leveraging existing assets, forming strategic partnerships, fostering transparency, and investing in long-term capacity building. To understand the gravity of such a situation, it’s helpful to look at global examples where countries have faced similar challenges, and the lessons they provide.
One prominent example of information warfare between countries is the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, particularly during the 2019 Pulwama attack and the subsequent military standoff. Following the attack, in which a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary officers in Kashmir, India claimed to have carried out airstrikes on a terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. India released satellite imagery and videos to back up its claim. Pakistan, in turn, denied that the airstrikes caused significant damage and retaliated with its own evidence and narrative, claiming that India’s claims were fabricated. Both countries used media outlets and social media platforms to shape public opinion and justify their actions. India used international media to strengthen its position by portraying the strikes as a legitimate response to terrorism, while Pakistan used its own media apparatus to deny the strikes and blame India for escalating the situation. The rapid spread of conflicting narratives led to a war of words and images that played out on a global stage, influencing international perceptions of both countries. Bangladesh can learn from this example by ensuring that it responds swiftly with verified information during any crisis, emphasizing transparency and credibility to counter any misleading or hostile narratives.
A further example is the ongoing information warfare between the United States and China, particularly regarding trade, technology, and the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the early stages of the pandemic, there was widespread speculation and competing narratives over the virus’s origins, with China and the United States exchanging blame for the outbreak. The U.S. government and various media outlets, including some prominent figures, sought to cast doubt on China’s transparency regarding the virus’s spread, suggesting that the country had covered up the extent of the outbreak. In response, China’s state-controlled media launched a campaign to counter these accusations, accusing the U.S. of politicizing the issue and spreading unfounded claims. Both sides used diplomatic channels, social media, and press releases to promote their respective narratives, further deepening the rift. In such a context, countries engaged in information warfare use media to shape international opinions, create distrust, and gain the upper hand in geopolitical struggles. Bangladesh can learn from this by developing its own media strategy, ensuring it is prepared to respond swiftly with factual, clear, and transparent information in times of international tension.
These global examples offer invaluable insights into the tactics and implications of information warfare. While each situation is unique, the underlying theme is clear: controlling the narrative and spreading disinformation can have a profound impact on public opinion and international relations. In light of these examples, Bangladesh can take several steps to counter the information warfare and defend its image on the global stage.
The first step Bangladesh must take is to proactively define and build its national narrative. In the age of digital media, it is not enough to react to disinformation; a nation must assert its voice and make its case before others do. Bangladesh, with its rich cultural and historical heritage, can promote a narrative of diversity, tolerance, and human rights. By emphasizing its long-standing commitment to social justice and human rights, the government can present a compelling story of social harmony to both its own citizens and the international community. These efforts should focus on showcasing the country’s inclusive policies, the protection of minority rights, and its thriving civil society.
Given the limited resources at its disposal, Bangladesh should focus on digital diplomacy and social media outreach to build a global network of support. In today’s world, where traditional media often has limited reach, digital platforms offer a powerful means of counteracting misinformation. By engaging with the global public through social media platforms such as X ( formerly Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube, Bangladesh can bypass traditional media and speak directly to millions. Creating multilingual social media accounts and reaching out to influencers, academics, and human rights advocates worldwide can amplify the country’s voice. These platforms allow for real-time responses to disinformation, allowing Bangladesh to swiftly and effectively debunk false narratives. In fact, social media’s low cost makes it a particularly suitable tool for a country with limited financial resources. Hashtags and online campaigns like #BangladeshForAll or #UnityInDiversity could go viral, helping to counter negative portrayals and build an alternate narrative grounded in truth and transparency.
Another crucial avenue for Bangladesh to explore is the mobilization of its vast diaspora. The Bangladeshi diaspora is a powerful resource that spans countries across the world, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. These communities have a unique position to act as ambassadors of the country’s values and can counter misinformation by spreading accurate, positive information about Bangladesh. By organizing campaigns and media outreach in countries where the diaspora is concentrated, Bangladesh can use these global citizens to amplify its voice on social media and in discussions about its governance. The diaspora can serve as grassroots advocates, presenting personal testimonies, showcasing the country’s achievements, and correcting misconceptions. Furthermore, the diaspora’s strong presence in various international media outlets can help Bangladesh’s message reach an even wider audience.
While social media engagement and diaspora support are essential, Bangladesh must also look to develop grassroots, community-driven strategies. Building a national volunteer network, particularly targeting youth and civil society groups, would enable the country to counter disinformation at the local level. By educating young people and volunteers about media literacy, critical thinking, and the importance of verifying information before sharing it, Bangladesh can create a resilient population that is less susceptible to manipulation. This can be done through cost-effective campaigns, online webinars, and localized workshops that empower citizens to spot fake news and challenge harmful narratives. A crowdsourced fact-checking system, where citizens can report and debunk false information, would further enhance the credibility of the country’s narrative. Such community-driven initiatives are not only efficient but also help foster a sense of national unity, allowing citizens to actively participate in defending the country’s image.
Moreover, Bangladesh can take advantage of open-source digital tools that assist in monitoring disinformation online. Tools like Google Alerts, CrowdTangle, and even custom-built AI-based bots can be used to track online narratives and quickly identify false claims. These tools are often free or available at minimal cost, making them ideal for a country with limited financial resources. By monitoring digital spaces for misinformation, Bangladesh can launch timely and well-coordinated counter-narratives, protecting its reputation and ensuring that false information does not spread unchecked. Collaboration with international fact-checking organizations could further bolster these efforts, ensuring that claims against Bangladesh are debunked with credible evidence from independent third parties.
While it is important to act quickly, the country must also focus on long-term resilience against future information warfare. Education and media literacy are key components in this strategy. Investing in educational initiatives that teach students how to critically engage with information will help build a future generation that is both media-savvy and resistant to the manipulative tactics of disinformation campaigns. Incorporating media literacy into school curricula, from primary schools to universities, will ensure that young people are equipped with the tools to discern between reliable and unreliable sources. Public awareness campaigns aimed at raising the population’s awareness of the dangers of misinformation could also be rolled out across multiple platforms, including radio, TV, and social media. These campaigns would educate the public on how disinformation harms society and how to protect oneself from it, fostering a more resilient population.
Diplomatic engagement also plays a critical role in countering information warfare. Bangladesh should work to strengthen its diplomatic ties with key international powers such as the United States, the European Union, and China. By emphasizing the importance of truthful discourse and requesting their support in exposing disinformation, Bangladesh can gain moral and diplomatic backing from influential global actors. The country should also explore opportunities to build regional coalitions with neighboring countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, as a united regional voice is far stronger than individual responses. Such coalitions can work together on shared concerns regarding information warfare and regional stability, making their collective voice more powerful on the international stage. This approach allows Bangladesh to extend its diplomatic influence and counterbalance any negative portrayal by fostering international solidarity.
At the same time, Bangladesh can utilize international legal and human rights frameworks to address any persistent disinformation. Engaging with global organizations such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and the International Court of Justice could help the country assert its case. While these processes may take time, they provide an official, recognized platform to challenge false narratives. Bangladesh could also turn to human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to support its stance and lend credibility to its efforts. By seeking international validation from credible institutions, Bangladesh can strengthen its position in the global arena and demonstrate its commitment to truth and justice.
Lastly, while all these measures are being implemented, Bangladesh must continue to emphasize the importance of unity and inclusivity within its borders. By fostering national unity, emphasizing the country’s secular values, and promoting tolerance across religious and ethnic communities, Bangladesh can make it harder for external actors to successfully manipulate internal divisions. Engaging religious and community leaders in promoting these values will help counter any narrative that seeks to divide the population and undermine the country’s image.
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Rajeev Ahmed
The Editor of Geopolits.com and the Author of the book titled Bengal Nexus