Pakistan's Digital Warfare Against Bangladesh Sovereignty
Five decades after Bangladesh's independence, Pakistan's military establishment appears to be conducting a systematic campaign of digital propaganda aimed at undermining Bangladeshi sovereignty through disinformation and psychological warfare.
Coordinated Propaganda Campaign
Recent analysis reveals a concerning pattern of Pakistani-linked social media operations targeting Bangladesh. A Meta page claiming to be "The Times" with over 288,000 followers has been spreading false narratives about Bangladesh considering changes to its national flag and anthem.
The page, created in July 2024 shortly before Sheikh Hasina's departure from office, lists a Pakistani phone number among its administrators and redirects to unverified social media accounts rather than legitimate news sources.
Political Provocations
Pakistani political figures have escalated their rhetoric regarding Bangladesh. Kamran Sayeed Usmani, a leader in Pakistan's ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz youth wing, issued video statements positioning Bangladesh's flag alongside Pakistan's, effectively challenging Bangladesh's sovereignty.
Such symbolic acts represent a direct affront to Bangladesh's independence, achieved through significant sacrifice during the 1971 liberation war.
Information Warfare Infrastructure
Investigation into outlets like "Times of Islamabad" reveals sophisticated propaganda operations. Despite claims of millions of monthly viewers, these platforms lack credible newsroom infrastructure or identifiable journalists.
The organisation operates under corporate registration in Pakistan while maintaining artificially inflated social media presence through suspected institutional support.
Regional Security Implications
These activities represent a concerning evolution from covert influence operations to open psychological warfare. The coordinated nature of these campaigns suggests institutional backing rather than isolated incidents.
For regional stability, such information warfare tactics pose challenges beyond bilateral relations, potentially affecting broader South Asian diplomatic dynamics.
Response and Accountability
The apparent lack of formal diplomatic response from Dhaka to these provocations raises questions about appropriate countermeasures to information warfare.
International observers, including UN bodies, have called for thorough investigations into foreign interference activities affecting regional sovereignty.
As digital platforms become increasingly central to geopolitical influence, the Bangladesh case highlights the need for robust mechanisms to address state-sponsored disinformation campaigns that target sovereign nations.
The situation underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance against attempts to undermine established international borders and sovereignty through digital means.