The United States determines its foreign policy by observing global politics, economics, and socio-cultural dynamics. In this process, intelligence activities, aid organizations, diplomatic relations, and media coverage play crucial roles. As the world's most influential country, news published in U.S. media attracts the attention of all nations. Similarly, the U.S. administration also exerts influence in the creation and dissemination of specific news to maintain its global political dominance.
The April 1st report on Bangladesh published in The New York Times has caused an uproar across the country. Neutral analysts argue that while the allegations raised in the report are entirely true, Bangladesh's interim government has predictably dismissed them. However, history suggests that mere denial does not change reality.
The New York Times article was titled: "As Bangladesh Reinvents Itself, Islamist Hard-Liners See an Opening." The core argument of the report is that following the ousting of Bangladesh's authoritarian ruler, a political vacuum has emerged, which Islamist extremists are exploiting.
Written by South Asia Bureau Chief Mujib Mashal and reporter Saif Hasnat from Taraganj and Dhaka, the article begins by highlighting how extremists initiated their agenda by attempting to establish control over women's bodies.
Following the ousting of Bangladesh’s authoritarian leader, a political vacuum emerged. Amidst this void, religious fundamentalists in one city announced that young women would no longer be allowed to play football. In another city, extremists forced the police to release a man who had publicly harassed a woman for not wearing a hijab. He was later welcomed with flowers.
Furthermore, more brazen calls have been made. In a rally in Dhaka, protesters warned that if the government did not impose the death penalty for blasphemy, they would take matters into their own hands. A few days later, a banned group held a massive demonstration demanding the establishment of an Islamic caliphate.
The report highlights three key points:
• The rise of extremism is particularly painful for the female students who had taken to the streets to oust Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule. They had hoped for a diverse, democratic, and open environment but now find themselves battling religious fundamentalists who threaten minorities, including Hindus and smaller Islamic sects, as well as women and other vulnerable groups.
• Critics argue that the interim government led by 84-year-old Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has not taken strong enough action against extremist forces. Some claim that Yunus’s approach is too passive and conflict-averse, allowing extremists to gain more public space. His aides maintain that after years of authoritarian rule, freedom of speech and protest must be upheld. However, this stance inadvertently provides an open door for extremist demands.
• As Bangladesh attempts to rebuild democracy and shape a new future for its 170 million people, long-hidden Islamic extremists are beginning to emerge. The report presents evidence suggesting that Sheikh Hasina’s government had, over the years, covertly nurtured these groups for political advantage. Now, in the political vacuum, these forces are becoming more active, and responsibility for this rise largely falls on the Awami League’s long-standing policies.
The report also draws comparisons between Bangladesh’s rising extremism and the situations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Myanmar—an association that tarnishes Bangladesh’s global image.
Key Observations from the Report:
• After the removal of the authoritarian leader, extremists are exploiting the political void. In one city, they have banned young women from playing football, and in another, they forced the police to release a man who harassed a woman for not wearing a hijab—later honoring him with flowers.
• Those who opposed Sheikh Hasina’s one-party rule now face a new crisis. They had hoped Bangladesh would transition to democracy, but instead, they find themselves fighting religious extremists who pose fresh threats to women, minorities, and dissenters.
• The interim government has been accused of failing to curb extremism effectively. Many perceive Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s leadership as too lenient, enabling extremists to come forward more openly.
• The long-standing authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina’s government is blamed for fostering religious fundamentalists in secret. Now, in the absence of strong governance, these groups are stepping into the political space.
While Bangladesh’s current government has strongly protested the report, it has failed to provide concrete counterarguments against the allegations. Instead, the New York Times article has ignited widespread debate within Bangladesh’s political landscape, raising serious questions about governance, accountability, and the responsibilities of both the former ruling party and the interim administration.
The U.S. media landscape is dominated by several major outlets, including CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Fox News. While these media outlets operate independently, they often reflect corporate interests and U.S. foreign policy priorities. Due to America's strategic interests in South Asia, U.S. media frequently publishes reports on Bangladesh. Issues such as democracy, human rights, freedom of expression, election integrity, political repression, economic policies, labor rights, the garment industry, and investment climate frequently draw scrutiny from the U.S. media.
Bangladesh should not dismiss such reports outright. International media coverage does not only impact Bangladesh’s reputation but also shapes the perspectives of global powers. Instead, the government should respond with well-reasoned, evidence-based counter-reports to ensure that the global audience is not influenced by a one-sided narrative. Strengthening diplomatic ties with international media and employing professional diplomacy to represent Bangladesh’s stance effectively is crucial. Above all, establishing genuine democracy is essential to maintaining a positive global image for Bangladesh.
In summary, U.S. media exerts influence not only on Bangladesh but also on many developing nations. Although this influence does not always accurately reflect reality or neutrality, rather than outright rejecting international media reports, Bangladesh must analyze them strategically to determine the most effective response.
Author: Journalist
April 2, 2025