Home Adviser: Bangladesh to lodge protest over false reports on Chittagong in Indian media

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said Bangladesh will lodge a formal protest against recent news reports on Chittagong published by the Indian media, accusing them of conducting a sustained misinformation campaign against Bangladesh by spreading false reports regularly.

He said this on Thursday afternoon in response to questions from journalists after a meeting at the Barisal Police Lines.

The adviser urged journalists: "If we have made mistakes, feel free to point them out, and if you find any corruption on my part, please report it as well. However, do not spread false reports. The Indian media has published so many untrue reports that even their truthful stories now appear false."

He appealed to media professionals to take a strong stance against the spread of misinformation about Bangladesh.

Regarding public trust in law enforcement, Jahangir said "some progress has been made," though he acknowledged that restoring confidence in the police will take time.

"We are emerging from a period of trauma; patience is essential," he said.

Jahangir also highlighted the serious drug problem in Bangladesh. He acknowledged that while many drug carriers have been apprehended, the kingpins often evade capture. “Efforts are underway to apprehend these masterminds, and all forces are working collaboratively on this issue,” he said.

Jahangir raised concerns over cases filed after Sheikh Hasina’s fall, pointing out that “many innocent people are being named as defendants in these cases.”

He urged vigilance and warned that actions will be taken against those filing false cases, saying that the Home Ministry has been informed.

The adviser emphasized the importance of making law enforcement more people-friendly. "We have discussed our efforts to achieve this, the challenges facing our forces, and strategies to improve the law and order situation," he said.

Earlier, the home adviser was accorded a guard of honour upon arrival at the Barisal Police Lines before he joined the divisional law and order meeting.