The New York Times faced significant backlash for labeling the anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure as “revenge attacks.” The term drew criticism from around the world, leading the media outlet to revise its headline. However, no apology or explanation was issued.
.@nytimes covers anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh as “revenge”
Changes headline after being called out
No explanation, no apology pic.twitter.com/srslFH0rtJ
— Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) August 8, 2024
In the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s removal, Hindu homes, businesses, and temples have been targeted and damaged amid protests against a controversial quota system that reserves 30% of jobs for the families of veterans from the 1971 liberation war.
India has expressed concern, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighting the troubling attacks on minorities, their properties, and temples. In response, India has evacuated non-essential staff and their families from its embassy and consulates in Bangladesh, although diplomats remain and the missions continue to operate.
The New York Times justified the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh by calling them “revenge attacks.”
Now, a narrative is being created that Hindus are culprits, so they deserve this, while those carrying out the attacks are being whitewashed.
This is international media for you. pic.twitter.com/F7pLaHomxE
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) August 8, 2024
An Air India flight from Dhaka with 199 passengers and six infants landed in Delhi early Wednesday morning due to the unrest. Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladesh’s population of 170 million, have historically supported Hasina’s secular Awami League party over the opposition, which includes a hardline Islamist party.