JAGPA Chhatra League, the student wing of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), has labeled Prothom Alo and The Daily Star as “mouthpieces of Hindustan,” accusing the newspapers of promoting anti-Islamic sentiment and Indian interests in Bangladesh.
Speaking at a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Friday, JAGPA Chhatra League President Abdur Rahman Faruki referred to Prothom Alo as “Protarok Alo” (Deceptive Light) and The Daily Star as “Delhi Star.” He alleged that both media houses operate under Indian directives and consistently spread Islamophobic narratives targeting the religious community of Bangladesh.
“These papers want to portray our religious scholars as extremists through biased reports and offensive cartoons,” said Faruki. “Even after August 5, they continued to publish false reports against BNP, Jamaat, Shibir, and other pro-democracy parties in a deliberate effort to rehabilitate the Awami League.”
Faruki claimed the two dailies are spreading “slow poison” to embed Indian cultural influence and fear of Islam among the Bangladeshi population. He called upon the public to boycott these newspapers immediately.
The event, titled “Protest Against Anti-Islamic, Muslim-Hating, and Pro-Awami League Media Agenda of Prothom Alo and Daily Star,” was moderated by JAGPA Chhatra League General Secretary Jibon Ahmed Abhi.
Speakers at the event included former General Secretary Shyamal Chandra Sarkar, Vice President Rezaul Islam, Joint Secretary and Office Secretary Md. Mahbub Alam, Central Leader Al-Amin Reza, as well as guest speakers from other student organizations. Among them were leaders from Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Bhasani Chhatra Parishad, and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Samaj.
Liberty News’ political correspondent states that they echoed the call for a nationwide boycott and demanded transparency in media ethics and accountability from these mainstream outlets.
LND/BG
