Indian rights group accuses Bangladesh’s Govt of media crackdown, calls fact-checking unit a ‘disinformation lab’

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 6, 2025

The Indian-based Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has accused Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Mohammed Yunus, of targeting at least 640 journalists since taking power in August 2024. It also labelled the government’s fact-checking arm as a “disinformation lab” that aims to suppress dissent and whitewash abuses.

The Chief Advisor’s Press Wing dismissed the claims as “wildly misleading disinformation.” But RRAG Director Suhas Chakma countered that their figure is based on credible and documented sources, including the Dhaka-based Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) and major Bangladeshi media outlets.

“The Daily Star itself reported 266 journalists have faced criminal charges since August 5, 2024. Our figure is actually conservative,” said Chakma.

“The government’s denial is pure Goebbels-speak.”

Breakdown of RRAG’s Allegations:
182 journalists have been hit with criminal charges
206 journalists have faced violence or intimidation
85 journalists were summoned by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU)
266 criminal cases against journalists were independently reported

RRAG argues that these actions constitute state-sponsored targeting. Chakma added: “Interim or not, a government is accountable for human rights violations. BFIU notices to journalists are a clear act of intimidation by state agencies.”

RRAG also defended its reporting on nine deaths during the September 2024 violence in the CHT, based on unclaimed bodies recorded at Khagrachari Hospital. Chakma criticized the government for failing to release the findings of its own inquiry, which was promised more than seven months ago.

“Until that report is made public, the government cannot discredit RRAG’s reporting. Publish the facts first, then comment.”

RRAG rejected claims that it attacked fact-checkers, accusing DismisLab of acting as a covert extension of the Press Wing. Chakma revealed that internal RRAG-DismisLab communications were accessed by the Press Wing—something he says confirms the two entities are linked.

“This proves DismisLab is not independent. It’s an arm of the state’s propaganda machinery.”

Chakma also criticized Dr. Yunus for prematurely downplaying religiously motivated attacks on minorities after the fall of Sheikh Hasina. On September 5, 2024, Yunus claimed there was “no clear distinction” between Awami League supporters and Hindus in the targeted violence.

“That’s not leadership. That’s narrative-building without facts. A head of government should wait for credible investigations, not speculate.”

In response to allegations that RRAG is aligned with the Awami League, Chakma said: “Dr. Yunus is trying to hide behind Sheikh Hasina’s shadow. But he now leads the government and must take full responsibility for its actions. A Nobel prize does not give him a pass to silence the press.”