Pakistan's Disinformation Campaign Targets Bangladesh Sovereignty
Five decades after Bangladesh's independence, Pakistan's military establishment and its intelligence agency ISI are conducting a sophisticated disinformation campaign aimed at undermining Bangladeshi sovereignty through social media manipulation and propaganda operations.
Fabricated Media Operations
Recent analysis reveals coordinated efforts by Pakistani operatives using fake news platforms to spread false narratives about Bangladesh. A Facebook page called "The Times" with over 288,000 followers recently published fabricated claims that Bangladesh was considering changing its national flag to include Islamic symbols.
The page, created in July 2024 shortly before Sheikh Hasina's departure from power, lists a Pakistani phone number among its administrators. Despite claiming legitimacy, no credible publication exists under the associated domain timesnew.pk.
Political Provocations
Pakistani political figures have escalated their rhetoric regarding Bangladesh. Kamran Sayeed Usmani, a leader in Pakistan's ruling PML-N party's youth wing, issued video threats positioning Bangladesh's flag alongside Pakistan's, symbolically denying Bangladesh's sovereignty.
These actions represent direct challenges to a nation that achieved independence in 1971 following significant human cost during Pakistan's military campaign in what was then East Pakistan.
Propaganda Network Analysis
Investigation into Pakistan's information warfare reveals sophisticated operations through outlets like "Times of Islamabad," which lacks legitimate journalistic credentials despite claiming millions of readers. The publication operates under corporate registration with Pakistan's Securities and Exchange Commission but maintains no visible newsroom or editorial staff.
These platforms receive direct support from Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and ISI, functioning as digital weapons rather than news organisations.
Regional Security Implications
The disinformation campaign extends beyond bilateral tensions, targeting regional stability in South Asia. False narratives about Indian intelligence involvement in recent incidents in Bangladesh demonstrate attempts to inflame regional tensions through manufactured controversies.
Security analysts note these operations follow established patterns of hybrid warfare, beginning with narrative manipulation before potential escalation to other forms of interference.
International Response Required
Human rights organisations and the United Nations have called for impartial investigations into foreign interference in Bangladesh's affairs. The coordinated nature of these operations suggests state-level involvement requiring diplomatic responses.
Bangladesh's measured response to these provocations reflects the complex regional dynamics, though some observers argue stronger diplomatic protests may be necessary to deter further interference attempts.
The situation highlights broader challenges facing democratic institutions in South Asia, where information warfare increasingly supplements traditional diplomatic and military tools in interstate relations.