Dhaka, July 25  — Indian media outlet India Today NE has issued an apology for publishing a misleading report regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. The apology follows a contentious period of violent movements in Bangladesh during which the outlet erroneously reported that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had been airlifted out of the country.

The inaccurate report, published on July 21, claimed in its headline, "Indian students leave Dhaka due to violent clashes, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina airlifted out." The news was widely disseminated, including through India Today NE's social media platforms.

In response, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi protested the report, highlighting its inaccuracy and potential to mislead the public. The High Commission stressed that such misinformation could exacerbate the crisis and add to the existing chaos.

Following the protest, India Today NE issued a statement on its website, reading: "India Today NE sincerely apologizes for this unintentional mistake and regrets any confusion or tension it may have caused in our neighboring country." The statement further emphasized the publication's commitment to factual and ethical journalism.

The Bangladesh High Commission's rejection of the report underscored the dangers of spreading false information, especially during critical moments. It noted that such reports could not only mislead the public but also significantly impact societal stability and the credibility of news outlets.

The apology and the retraction by India Today NE serve as a reminder of the importance of accurate and responsible journalism, particularly in times of crisis.