Dhaka, January 31, 2025 (V7N) – The press wing of the interim government's chief adviser has strongly denied the claims made in a report by Indian media outlet Anandabazar Online, which speculated on the possibility of a military coup in Bangladesh. The press wing labeled the report as "baseless and misleading."

The response was posted on the verified Facebook page of the press wing on Friday afternoon, condemning the report as an attempt to discredit Bangladesh’s people and institutions following the removal of Sheikh Hasina's government in July and August 2024.

Allegations of Hybrid Warfare and Disinformation

The statement criticized the Indian media’s role, claiming it has historically supported Sheikh Hasina and is now spreading disinformation as part of hybrid warfare tactics.

“A key aspect of hybrid warfare is disinformation, where an unsubstantiated and misleading story is first planted in one media outlet. This story is later circulated to other media platforms to gain credibility, misleading those who do not have access to detailed information.”

It also accused Anandabazar Patrika of acting as a mouthpiece for Indian interests, alleging that the report was intended to interfere in Bangladesh's internal affairs.

Call for Responsible Journalism

The press wing urged the Indian media to respect the sovereignty of Bangladesh and adhere to ethical journalism practices.

“Journalists should re-evaluate their methods of gathering and presenting news. Instead of spreading propaganda, they should focus on reporting real facts,” the statement emphasized.

The government’s strong rebuttal comes amid heightened political sensitivities in Bangladesh, where regional influence and narratives surrounding governance and military affairs remain under intense scrutiny.

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