Military Vehicle Imagery Falsely Shared as 'Indian Army Entering Protest-Hit Bangladesh'
As deadly student protests swept across Bangladesh, misinformation spread rapidly on social media, claiming that the Indian army was crossing the border to assist Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government in quelling the unrest. This article examines the false claims surrounding military vehicle imagery and the context of the ongoing protests.
The Misinformation
On July 20, 2024, a post from a Pakistan-based account on the social media platform X falsely asserted, "A company of Indian army moving into Bangladesh from West Bengal." The post suggested that the Hasina regime had imposed a curfew and sought military assistance from India to suppress the protests. Accompanying the text was a video of military vehicles, with a caption claiming they were entering Bangladesh.
Debunking the Claims
Fact-checking organizations quickly debunked these claims. The Digital Forensics Research and Analytics Center (DFRAC) confirmed that one of the videos shared in the post predates the protests by at least two years. Additionally, another image was geolocated to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, which is hundreds of miles from the Indian border.
The imagery included a line of armored vehicles traveling alongside a lake, which was later identified as Shaheed Squadron Leader Rizwan Lake, located near Dhaka's Tejgaon Airport. This area is approximately 200 miles from the India-Bangladesh border, contradicting the claims made in the social media posts.
Context of the Protests
The protests in Bangladesh erupted over civil service hiring rules and quickly escalated into the worst unrest the country has seen in years. Reports indicate that over 9,000 arrests have been made, and at least 205 people have died, including several police officers. The situation has drawn international attention, with India labeling the protests as an "internal matter."
Historical Relations
Historically, Sheikh Hasina and her ruling Awami League party have been viewed as more favorable towards India compared to their political rivals, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The term "Hindutva," used in the false posts, refers to the Hindu nationalism promoted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), highlighting the complex political dynamics in the region.
Conclusion
As of July 29, 2024, there have been no official reports of Indian troops being requested to enter Bangladesh. The Indian High Commission has instead focused on facilitating the return of Indian nationals from Bangladesh amid the unrest. The spread of misinformation during such critical times can exacerbate tensions and mislead the public, underscoring the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media.