The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) has said the recent ‘false ‘and ‘fallacious’ Deutsche Welle (DW) documentary titled "Torturers deployed as UN peacekeepers" presents a "misleading portrayal" of Bangladesh Army personnel in UN Peacekeeping Missions. "Misrepresentation and insufficient diligence can lead to eroding the credibility and effectiveness of peacekeeping forces globally," ISPR said on Saturday (May 25, 2024) protesting the report. More so, the Bangladesh Army has a spotless record with no human rights violations while serving under the UN, a distinction shared by only a few countries, it said in a rejoinder to Deutsche Welle (DW) Documentary on UN Peacekeepers. Given these facts, ISPR said, it is crucial for media outlets to adhere to the principles of fair and balanced reporting, especially on issues as vital as international peacekeeping. DW documentary on Peacekeepers: UN says it follows three-step screening process when deploying troops It said Bangladesh Army rigorously follows the UN's stringent selection and vetting protocols to ensure that only the most qualified and thoroughly vetted individuals are deployed. "These measures underscore the Army's commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in peacekeeping missions," ISPR said. Furthermore, it said, DW did not seek comments from the Bangladesh Army regarding the allegations presented in the documentary. "This lack of balanced reporting raises concerns about the aim and objective of the documentary. It is pretty clear that the documentary was focused on defaming a law enforcing agency of Bangladesh showing irrelevant video footages," ISPR said. "It was totally a biased media projection, which has largely compromised the credibility of the documentary. It has also raised questions about the motive behind it," ISPR added. Bangladesh highlights its contribution to UN Peacekeeping It is crucial to "recognise the significant contributions" of Bangladesh to UN peacekeeping efforts. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have earned a reputation for their dedication, professionalism, and humanitarian approach. A total 131 Bangladesh Army personnel have made supreme sacrifice and 239 sustained injuries while serving under the UN flag, embodying the spirit of selflessness and commitment to global peace.

Michael Kugelman, the South Asia director at the Wilson Center in Washington DC, has said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been especially adept at balancing relations with developed and developing worlds, with India and China, with West and non-West, and so on. "This is a country that, much like India, has showed a strong capacity to balance rivalries instead of succumb to them," he was quoted as saying in a report published by DW. US rules out notion of not recognising Hasina government Kugelman said he believes Bangladesh won't be forced to choose a side and will be able to balance between the superpowers quite well. He said Bangladesh is successfully "reaping the benefits of great power competition" in its relationship with China and India. US State Dept spokesperson says will ‘refrain from being drawn into’ internal Bangladeshi political matters "Its economic and defense ties with Beijing have grown significantly in recent years. We've gotten to the point where China is financing Bangladesh's first submarine base. This is another reflection of Dhaka's successes as a balancer," the analyst told DW. The government, referring to international observers, said the 12th National Parliament election of Bangladesh was held on January 7 in a free, fair, transparent, festive atmosphere and with large participation of the people. ‘Free, fair and peaceful’ election continues to be the focus of US’ engagement with Bangladesh govt: State Dept Spokesperson 

Police on Sunday (April 09, 2023) night arrested Nafiz Mohammad Alam, who was interviewed in a recent Deutsche Welle (DW) documentary on RAB, from his home in Bashundhara residential area of Dhaka. Officer-in-charge of Bhatara Police Station Asaduzzaman told UNB that police arrested Nafiz in a case filed under the pornography act. Tipped off, a team of Bhatara police carried out a raid at Nafiz's residence in G block of Bashundhara Housing on Sunday evening. Read More: DW documentary: US hopes Bangladesh will examine allegations against RAB Foreign alcohol, one laptop, one motorcycle and a mobile phone were seized during the raid. Sub-inspector Riyad Ahmed of Bhatara Police Station filed a case against Nafiz with the police station under the Narcotics Control Act, said the OC. He also said Nafiz was accused in three cases and there was an arrest warrant against him filed with the police station under the pornography act. Read More: Death in Custody: RAB quizzes Jasmine's son and brother-in-law Replying to a question, the OC said that Nafiz has been produced before a Dhaka court.