In the aftermath of the January 7 elections, Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture where the will of the people has spoken through a democratic process. However, as Bangladesh heralds a new era with the re-election of Sheikh Hasina's government, a disconcerting narrative of conspiracies continues to unfold, threatening the stability and democratic progress of the nation.

Beyond the celebratory echoes of a democratic victory, there lies a complex web of on-going machinations aimed at destabilising the government both domestically and on the international stage. It is imperative to shed light on these nefarious machinations orchestrated by both internal and external forces.

In the digital age, the weaponisation of social media has become a potent tool for those seeking to sow discord and one of the primary tactics employed by the conspirators is the fabrication of information. On-going conspiracies against Sheikh Hasina's government involve a systematic campaign of misinformation and manipulation on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and WhatsApp. False narratives, doctored images, and misleading information are strategically disseminated to create confusion and erode public trust.

Rumours and misinformation are also disseminated with the aim of sowing seeds of doubt in the minds of the public and tarnishing the legitimacy of the election. In an era dominated by information, the weaponisation of falsehoods poses a serious threat to the democratic fabric of the nation.

Conspirators are orchestrating strategic disinformation campaigns to manipulate public perception. Fabricated reports, anonymous sources, and sensationalised stories are disseminated to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and distrust. The aim is to exploit any existing grievances and amplify dissent against Sheikh Hasina's government.

Despite the election being deemed free and fair by international observers, on-going conspiracies hinge on allegations of electoral irregularities. These claims, lacking substantive evidence, are propagated to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral process. The intent is not only to undermine the current government but to delegitimise the very foundations of the democratic system. The BNP-Jamaat alliance, having faced defeat in the democratic process, has resorted to alternative means to challenge the legitimacy of the elected government.

Lobbyists, both domestically and internationally, are being employed to influence narratives and create a negative image of the government. This concerted effort to manipulate perceptions is a direct challenge to the democratic principles upheld by the people of Bangladesh.

Conspirators are not confining their efforts within Bangladesh's borders; they are actively leveraging the diaspora community to lobby against the government abroad. Influential figures within the Bangladeshi diaspora are being targeted to promote a skewed narrative, often detached from the ground realities of the country.

A recurring theme in on-going conspiracies is the threat of economic sanctions, particularly from influential global players. By exaggerating and distorting certain policy decisions, conspirators aim to create an illusion of economic instability that could attract punitive measures.

The orchestration of efforts to bring about sanctions not only undermines the sovereignty of Bangladesh but also poses a threat to its economic well-being. It is a blatant disregard for the democratic process and the choices made by the people. It is crucial to emphasise that the people of Bangladesh, through a free and fair election, have unequivocally chosen Sheikh Hasina's government to lead the nation.

Contrary to the conspiracies being woven, the new government is actively engaged in improving relations with the United States. Diplomatic efforts are underway to foster cooperation and understanding, dispelling the unfounded fears propagated by conspirators. The government is committed to building constructive partnerships on the global stage.

At its core, the on-going conspiracies against Sheikh Hasina's government are an affront to the democratic values upheld by Bangladesh. As Bangladesh navigates these challenges, it becomes crucial for the government and its supporters to remain steadfast in defending democratic values. Defending democracy requires not only a robust response from the government but also the active participation of the citizenry in discerning truth from fiction.

In the face of these on-going conspiracies, Sheikh Hasina's government is confronted with the challenge of countering the multifaceted attacks on its credibility. A comprehensive strategy that involves both domestic resilience and international outreach is imperative. The government must continue to engage with the public transparently, debunk false narratives, and foster global partnerships that withstand the onslaught of disinformation.

The on-going conspiracies against Bangladesh are not isolated incidents but a concerted effort to destabilise the nation and erode the democratic foundations upon which it stands. As Bangladesh faces the challenges posed by the conspiracies, it stands at a crossroads where the choices made will shape the trajectory of the nation's democratic journey.

It is imperative for the citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, to remain vigilant and discern the truth from fabrications. The path forward demands a united front in upholding democratic principles and safeguarding the nation against the corrosive influence of conspiracies. It is a call to action for citizens to rise above the cacophony of misinformation, stand united in defence of democracy, and ensure that the conspiracies aimed at destabilising the nation are thwarted with unwavering resolve.

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The writer is a former vice chancellor of Islamic University Bangladesh