ISPR dismisses Indian media report on ‘military zone’ as false and deliberate

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) has strongly rejected a report published by Indian media claiming that Bangladesh is preparing to declare a “military operations zone” in its southeastern region.

The military's media wing described the report as “completely false, baseless, and intentional”.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ISPR said the article, titled “Bangladesh to declare Cox’s Bazar to Bandarban area as a Military Operations Zone” and published by Indian news platform Northeast News, is part of a “well-planned smear campaign” aimed at destabilising Bangladesh internally and tarnishing the image of its armed forces.

“This type of report is part of a planned smear campaign by certain Indian media outlets, aimed at undermining Bangladesh’s internal stability and tarnishing the image of the armed forces.”

The ISPR added, “The report hints that the Bangladesh Army is ‘supporting terrorist or separatist groups,’ which is entirely baseless, flawed and a form of malicious propaganda.”

It asserted that such speculative and fabricated stories are part of a broader conspiracy to undermine national unity and create confusion among citizens.

“The Bangladesh Army has always worked tirelessly to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitution with the utmost professionalism. The Army has never compromised on national interests and never will.”

Labelling the report as fabricated, the ISPR said this cannot be called journalism; it is part of a well-planned and sustained smear campaign.

Reaffirming the military’s commitment, the ISPR concluded: “Bangladesh has always remained united, and the Bangladesh Army is always prepared and firmly committed to defending the country’s people and territory."