As India’s ‘Republic Network’ presses the right chord, Bangladesh ultra-Islamists start screaming and babbling
India’s largest broadcast network – Republic Network has become an emblem of fearless journalism, unmasking hidden agendas and bringing uncomfortable truths to light. Its bold, no-holds-barred reporting style has not only captured the hearts of millions in India but also ruffled feathers across borders, particularly among ultra-Islamist elements in Bangladesh and their foreign backers.
Figures like Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s ISI-linked operatives, long used to spreading propaganda unchecked, now find themselves exposed by the network’s unyielding pursuit of truth.
This growing influence has clearly unsettled figures like Muhammad Yunus, as well as elements aligned with Pakistan’s ISI and remnants of the 1971 occupation forces.
As detractors scramble to discredit Republic and its prominent journalists like Arnab Goswami and Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh, their critiques reveal a deeper fear: the threat of accountability and transparency.
An academic tied to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) recently penned a venomous critique of the network, calling its journalism a “gospel of gibberish”.
However, this attempt to undermine Republic has only underscored its growing influence as a counter-narrative to extremist ideologies, propaganda, and misinformation campaigns threatening the stability of the region.
The recent tirade against Republic and its journalists, Arnab Goswami and Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh, is a testament to this discomfort.
A critical piece titled “The Republic TV’s Gospel of Gibberish”, penned by a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-affiliated academic, attempts to discredit Republic while ignoring its critical role in exposing nefarious designs aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh and the region.
Unlike traditional broadcasters, Republic Network has embraced modernity in both its technology and presentation style, captivating audiences with its dynamic and engaging approach.
Critics often dismiss this evolution as melodrama, failing to recognize that journalism has evolved to meet the demands of a digitally connected, fast-paced audience.
In the process, Republic has not only informed but inspired viewers to critically assess the narratives often peddled by networks like BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera, and DW, which have, at times, leaned into ideologically driven agendas.
The critics’ accusation of Arnab Goswami being a “fully-fledged shouting machine” conveniently overlooks the substance behind his style.
Goswami’s passion stems from his commitment to truth and exposing the lies of those who thrive on misinformation.
For instance, his bold coverage of cross-border issues – including terror activities and attempts to undermine India’s sovereignty – has left no room for equivocation, making him a target of ire among those seeking to suppress accountability.
Exposing the real “gospel of gibberish”The term “gospel of gibberish”, used to describe Republic’s broadcasts, is an ironic misnomer when juxtaposed with the propaganda propagated by networks aligned with ultra-Islamist and anti-secularist ideologies.
These forces have long sought to impose a Caliphate-like rule in Bangladesh, erasing its secular foundations and subjugating its populace to extremist doctrines. When a network like Republic shines a light on these machinations, it’s no wonder that such criticism follows.
For decades, certain global networks have romanticized ultra-Islamist movements, portraying them as “freedom struggles” while demonizing voices of reason and secularism.
Republic has shattered this narrative, providing a platform to highlight the plight of minorities and the silent struggles of those oppressed under Islamist radicalism in South Asia.
Whether it’s exposing the infiltration of Pakistan’s ISI in Bangladesh or countering anti-India rhetoric, Republic has consistently acted as a voice for regional stability.
The critique of Arnab Goswami and Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh’s work is not rooted in journalistic ethics or substance but rather in discomfort at being called out.
The BNP-linked lecturer’s accusations conveniently ignore the history of his own party’s associations with extremist groups, including their hosting of Al Qaeda kingpin Ayman al-Zawahiri during its tenure in government.
It’s no surprise that such affiliations would result in hostility toward a network that exposes these dark connections.Having been at the helm of Bangladesh’s first private television channel, A21 TV, I’ve witnessed firsthand how technology and presentation styles have evolved.
The dynamic and interactive style of Republic is emblematic of global trends in broadcasting, moving away from monotony to captivate and inform a 21st-century audience.
What’s clear is that Republic represents a new era of journalism that holds power to account and refuses to bow to intimidation. It’s a platform that does not shy away from uncomfortable truths, whether it’s exposing corruption, terror links, or the systemic marginalization of minorities.
For those who thrive on obfuscation and propaganda, Republic’s success is an existential threat. Muhammad Yunus and his cohorts have even resorted to launching a multi-million taka “Information Center” to counter “disinformation”, a veiled attempt to discredit the network while disseminating their own version of untruths.
Critics who dismiss Republic’s anchors as mere performers fail to grasp their role in bringing crucial issues to the fore. Arnab Goswami’s coverage of the Pulwama attack, for example, was a rallying cry for accountability, a sharp contrast to the apathy displayed by some global outlets.
Similarly, Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh’s fearless reporting on Bangladesh’s Islamist nexus has resonated with audiences tired of sanitized, agenda-driven narratives.
Instead of acknowledging the legitimate grievances raised by these journalists, detractors resort to ad hominem attacks, labeling their work as propaganda.
Yet, it’s precisely their fearless approach that has made Republic the voice of the voiceless and the scourge of those who would prefer to operate in the shadows.
In a world where truth is often buried under layers of propaganda, Republic Network has emerged as a relentless torchbearer of accountability and transparency.
Its critics, be they ultra-Islamists in Bangladesh or ideologues in distant corners, inadvertently highlight the network’s success in exposing uncomfortable realities.
Far from being deterred by baseless allegations and smear campaigns, Republic continues to stand tall, championing the causes of democracy, secularism, and regional stability.
Let the detractors scream, babble, and churn out their narratives; their noise only serves to amplify the network’s impact. As Republic presses on with unyielding resolve, it reinforces its position as not just a broadcaster, but a guardian of truth and justice in an age of disinformation.
In the end, Republic Network’s critics – whether in India or Bangladesh – reveal more about themselves than about the network. Their desperation to discredit Arnab Goswami and Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh stems from an inability to counter the truths they expose.
While these critics cry foul, Republic continues to inform, inspire, and hold power to account, emerging as a beacon of hope for those who believe in transparency, democracy, and justice. Let the critics scream and babble – Republic will keep pressing the right chord.
Blitz
