The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) of Bangladesh has issued a formal protest against a report titled “Bloodstains of Bengali Genocide on the Uniform! After 53 Years, the Defeated Pakistani Army Returns to Bangladesh” published in the online edition of Indian daily Anandabazar Patrika on December 27. The protest was communicated to the media via a statement from ISPR on Saturday, December 28.
The statement categorically rejected the claims made in the report, describing them as misleading and baseless, particularly in relation to the Bangladesh Army. It emphasized that the Bangladesh Army remains committed to professionalism, neutrality, and principles of international cooperation. As part of its regular activities, the Army maintains friendly relations with the armed forces of various countries and engages in diverse cooperative programs, including student exchange and training initiatives to foster mutual understanding and enhance skills.
The ISPR clarified that there are no plans for any training team or delegation from the Pakistan Army to visit any military installations in Bangladesh for training purposes. The claim made in the report is unfounded and inconsistent with reality. Furthermore, the Army procures necessary ammunition from various countries based on its operational needs. The statement added that uninformed opinions on sensitive defense matters are unwarranted, intrusive, and objectionable.
The ISPR also criticized the newspaper for failing to follow proper journalistic practices, noting that no comments or explanations were sought from the Directorate before the report was published. This omission raises serious questions about the impartiality and credibility of the publication.
The Bangladesh Army reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accurate dissemination of information. The ISPR urged media outlets to verify information from reliable sources before publishing any report, as stated in the release.
