Several Indian news outlets have been accused of running a coordinated anti-Jamaat-e-Islami campaign ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election. Reports from Firstpost, Indian Express, Anandabazar Patrika, and Republic Bangla allegedly portray Jamaat’s potential political rise as a threat to regional stability and security. Analysts cited in the report say these outlets claim Jamaat seeks to destabilize Bangladesh to delay the election, while ignoring the group’s recent student wing victories in university polls.

The report contrasts Indian media narratives with those of international outlets such as BBC and Al Jazeera, which describe Jamaat’s political rehabilitation as part of a democratic process. Diplomats and analysts suggest India’s media strategy aligns with Delhi’s broader political interests following the fall of the Awami League, aiming to pressure the BNP to distance itself from Jamaat. They argue that Indian media’s portrayal of Jamaat as extremist or anti-India serves this purpose.

Observers warn that if such media campaigns continue, they could strain Bangladesh-India relations and fuel anti-India sentiment among the Bangladeshi public.