Where Do the Rumors About the Bangladesh Armed Forces End?

The Bangladesh Armed Forces are a symbol of pride, unity, and cohesion. Born through the struggle for establishing an independent and sovereign state, the armed forces have repeatedly presented the nation’s identity and existence on the global stage. Strengthened by deep patriotism, morality, and discipline, the armed forces have never been lost in the quicksand of greed, nor have they become a ladder for anyone to cling to power. Their unparalleled and unforgettable role in the Liberation War has illuminated their legacy. During the July uprising of 2024, by standing beside students and the people, they not only contributed to ending fascism but also saved the country from a potential civil war. Their honorable role in national life has thus become very clear and significant. The nation will remember with respect and gratitude their effective steps in delivering an acceptable and bloodless thirteenth national election. For more than 20 months, they have worked equally in maintaining law and order, controlling mobs, eliminating drugs, and ensuring the safety of the people.

However, not even for a moment have these guardians of sovereignty—praised globally for their competence and humanity beyond national borders—been spared from rumors and misinformation. At times from within the country, at times from outside, attempts have been made to spread rumors and create controversy around the armed forces. Certain Indian media outlets seem to be even more active in this propaganda campaign. They have been engaged in sophisticated efforts to create chaos around the military. At different times, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Naval Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan have been victims of outrageous rumors. The reality of the armed forces standing in unity with students and the people during the uprising is something that so-called paid agents of Indian media strongly dislike. Through obscure and insignificant Indian media outlets, propaganda targeting the unity of the armed forces and the three service chiefs has been spread for months. Huge amounts of money have been spent on social media to circulate fabricated misinformation. Yet, the armed forces have not bowed to any dominance. By prioritizing national interests, they have established themselves as a supportive force of democracy and set a unique example on the global stage.

Even after the beginning of a democratic journey under BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with a two-thirds majority, conspiracies and plots continue to undermine state stability. Alongside social media, certain Indian media outlets are relentlessly running planned propaganda to damage the reputation and stability of the armed forces through provocations. In this phase, their target has become the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral M Nazmul Hasan. Through baseless and unrealistic narratives, a continuous effort is being made to entangle him in rumors and controversies. The so-called Indian outlet Northeast News is desperately trying to tarnish his bright image among the general public by labeling him with corruption allegations. Their sensational headlines are being believed by blindly loyal audiences. Unknowingly, many are becoming tools of the propaganda machinery. As often said, “We Bengalis are prone to hype.” However, conscious individuals are rejecting such blatant falsehoods with disdain. Even for those who supported the mass uprising, it does not require great wisdom to understand the baselessness of such malicious allegations.

During the 2024 mass uprising, the role of Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman reflected the aspirations of the people, and from the very beginning, Naval Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan stood wholeheartedly by his side. Together, they made timely decisions in the interest of the country. Their coordinated efforts strengthened the foundation of the struggle to restore democracy. For their determined role in fulfilling the people’s expectations, history will remember them for generations. Yet, attacks using ugly and offensive language against them have never ceased. Even amid such rumors and propaganda, they have shown patience and tolerance. They have strengthened the chain of command within their respective forces. In this regard, their success has become a major concern for certain Indian media outlets. Northeast News, by spreading lies and using vulgar language against the Naval Chief, has ultimately placed its own conscience on trial through unnecessary attempts to create tension.

Through a nonstop style of crafting fictional and false narratives, Northeast News and some fly-by-night media outlets, along with social media, have once again intensified baseless corruption theories against Admiral M Nazmul Hasan. In doing so, they seem to have adopted the formula of Joseph Goebbels, the propaganda minister of Hitler. Nowhere in their reports have they provided any evidence to support their claims. Rather, they are embellishing lies and aggressively promoting falsehoods. These outlets understand that, according to Goebbels’ theory, repeating a lie frequently can make some social media users believe it as truth. Certain media outlets in the neighboring country have set a prime example of using “rumor” as a tool to implement specific agendas. They have effectively proven themselves as members of the fake news, embedded journalism, and yellow journalism family.

A handful of obscure Indian media outlets, driven by anti-politics aimed at creating conspiracies against the patriotic armed forces, are once again attempting to gain attention by launching renewed attacks. They have set up a marketplace of fabricated content filled with absurd lies to smear the honesty, professionalism, and deep patriotism of the three service chiefs. They have turned social media into an unsocial platform. Throughout their distinguished careers, the Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs have resisted conspiracies against democracy, independence, and sovereignty with competence, charisma, and prudence. At various times, these few Indian-named media outlets have attempted to harass them, choosing to spread misinformation for commercial gain rather than adhering to responsible journalism. Perhaps due to a lack of sense, they have forgotten that under the capable leadership of Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Naval Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan, and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force remain strong, united, and fully committed to constitutional duties.

They remain steadfast in their loyalty to the government and the people of the country. In times of national crisis and critical moments, they have passed the highest tests of integrity and firmness. It was they who stood beside the people and showed the path of light from a dark tunnel. Like the endless sun, they remain radiant in the firmness of truth. Therefore, instead of paying heed to rumors, it is wise to focus on the proper use of one’s own judgment.

The writer is a journalist and political analyst. He can be reached at [email protected]