Dhruva Alo: On September 14, Bangla Tribune published an article titled "What is Taught about 1971 and Bangladesh in Pakistani Schools and Colleges." A video story followed the article. Interestingly, the article did not mention the reporter’s name or cite any sources. However, in the video story, the presenter was identified as Rubaiya Sultana. It remains unclear whether she authored the article, as no credit was given to her for the written piece. After reaching out to several individuals at Bangla Tribune, none could confirm who wrote the article. Some hinted at recognizing the initials but refrained from sharing further details._x000D_ _x000D_ We aim to discuss the structure and content of this report. The article focuses on allegations of historical distortion in Pakistan’s education system, particularly in textbooks, regarding Bangladesh’s Liberation War. It argues that Pakistan’s narrative about the 1971 war, as taught in its schools and colleges, is biased against Bangladesh’s heroism and history. According to the article, Pakistani textbooks portray the war primarily as a conflict between Pakistan and India. Additionally, it claims that Pakistan’s education system misleads its youth by teaching them distorted versions of history._x000D_ _x000D_ The article employs strong, destructive language, likely with the intent of presenting Pakistan in a negative light. Terms such as "distortion of history" and "spreading misinformation" are deliberately used, encouraging the reader to form a polarized view that Pakistan’s educational institutions are purposefully promoting a twisted narrative._x000D_ _x000D_ The July Uprising: Subtle Denial?_x000D_ In the introduction, the first four lines of the article state, "The dramatic shift in power triggered by the recent student and public movement in Bangladesh has been described by many as the ‘Second Liberation.’ Interestingly, many in Pakistan have also welcomed this turn of events. Last month, a victory procession, complete with the Bangladeshi national flag, was even held on Pakistani soil, an extremely rare occurrence!" Here, the term “student and public movement” appears to downplay the entire July uprising, reducing it to merely a protest. Additionally, the description of the power shift as 'dramatic' seems to glorify the ousted authoritarian’s exit while conveniently avoiding any critique of the previous regime. The mention of a victory procession in Pakistan, following the July uprising, also raises suspicions that the article subtly implies Pakistani involvement or benefit in the situation._x000D_ _x000D_ Anonymous Authors: Tactical Neutrality or Political Pressure?_x000D_ _x000D_ First, the absence of the author’s name is noteworthy. In journalism, there are generally two reasons for concealing the author’s identity:_x000D_ _x000D_ - Security and Political Sensitivity: This may occur when the author needs protection from political pressure or personal threats. Despite restrictions on freedom of speech in Bangladesh, if such an article is published by a pro-Awami League media outlet, it could be part of a politically cautious propaganda effort._x000D_ _x000D_ - Content Sensitivity: Discussing historical distortions is an extremely delicate topic. Anonymity in this context may signal a form of neutrality or bias. If readers were aware that the author was affiliated with the government or a political party, it might undermine the credibility of the report._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ Propaganda Techniques: Enemy Portrayal and Nationalism_x000D_ - Dehumanizing the Enemy: By highlighting the distortions in Pakistan’s portrayal of the Liberation War, the article creates a negative image of Pakistan. Pakistan is depicted as the enemy that distorts history and presents the Liberation War from its own biased perspective. This can further reinforce negative sentiments towards Pakistan among Bangladeshi readers._x000D_ _x000D_ - Reconstructing National Identity: The report attempts to strengthen Bangladeshi nationalism. By emphasizing the inaccuracies in Pakistan’s version of the Liberation War and asserting the correctness of Bangladesh’s history, the article seeks to reaffirm a national identity. It also bolsters the Awami League’s position as the rightful heir to the Liberation War legacy._x000D_ _x000D_ India’s Role: Soft Propaganda_x000D_ Although the article does not directly mention India’s role, there are subtle hints of soft propaganda:_x000D_ _x000D_ - Selective Omission: The article avoids any criticism of India’s involvement in the Liberation War, perhaps to emphasize the special relationship between India and Bangladesh. India's long-standing effort to position itself as a hero of the Liberation War might be at play here._x000D_ _x000D_ - Framing of Information: By not addressing any negative aspects of India’s role in the war and portraying it solely as a supportive ally, the article may be engaging in soft propaganda aimed at presenting India in a favorable light._x000D_ _x000D_ India’s Distortion of History: Indirect Propaganda_x000D_ India has also strategically used Bangladesh’s Liberation War for its own purposes. While India’s military and political support was undeniably crucial, India sought to achieve broader geopolitical goals through its involvement in the war. India continues to leverage Bangladesh’s political landscape, and this article might be seen as part of that effort._x000D_ _x000D_ Historical Distortion in Indian Textbooks_x000D_ Indian textbooks have often come under scrutiny for how they depict the Liberation War. Many argue that the representation is not always neutral or complete. India’s military and political support is frequently emphasized, but the contributions of Bangladesh’s leaders and the internal political context are often underrepresented. This leads to the perception that the true story of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence is overshadowed. Additionally, some textbooks frame the war within the broader context of regional politics, viewing it through an Indian nationalist lens._x000D_ _x000D_ India’s 2014 film Gunday portrayed the 1971 war as an Indo-Pakistani conflict, further distorting the narrative. Several Indian leaders have also stated that the war was primarily between India and Pakistan._x000D_ _x000D_ The Mystery of Jarin Hossain_x000D_ Jarin Hossain, a media professional and researcher, might be concealing her work and identity for personal reasons. However, Bangla Tribune should have provided more information about her for its readers. Jarin’s mention could have enhanced the credibility of the information provided. One might speculate whether her real identity has been replaced with a fictional character for political or strategic reasons._x000D_ _x000D_ India’s Growing Influence in Bangladesh’s Internal Politics_x000D_ India aims to position itself as a dominant force in Bangladesh’s politics. Propaganda that fosters friendly sentiments towards India helps:_x000D_ _x000D_ - Strengthening Support for the Awami League: India has long supported the current Awami League government. By emphasizing India’s role in the Liberation War and pushing anti-Pakistan narratives, such reports reinforce the Awami League’s position and strengthen India-Awami League ties._x000D_ _x000D_ - Weakening the Opposition: Bangladesh’s opposition parties, especially BNP and Jamaat, are often seen as being pro-Pakistan. Negative portrayals of Pakistan indirectly undermine these opposition parties’ standing. India’s objective is to keep a government in power in Bangladesh that maintains strong strategic and political ties with India._x000D_ _x000D_ Soft Power in Action_x000D_ India has long used its soft power—culture, history, and political influence—in South Asia. By highlighting its role in the Liberation War:_x000D_ _x000D_ - Expanding Indian Soft Power: Presenting India’s positive involvement in the war strengthens its soft power strategy. Reports like these build a favorable image of India among Bangladeshis and position India as a reliable and friendly nation._x000D_ _x000D_ - Strengthening Cultural Ties: India uses the Liberation War as a means to strengthen cultural and historical connections with Bangladesh. Through such propaganda, India extends its cultural dominance and establishes itself as an indispensable part of Bangladesh’s history._x000D_ _x000D_ While we do not know the author of this report, several senior journalists have claimed that before the January 7 election, the articles of a senior female journalist from this outlet were published under the names of ghost journalists like Chandan Nandi, Tarun Chakraborty, and Sangita Senal. This female journalist is also reportedly linked to the Awami League's propaganda group.