Journalist Tasneem Khalil has raised questions about the priorities of Bangladesh’s interim government, criticizing what he sees as a disproportionate emphasis on managing public perception through a highly active press wing.
In an interview published on The Post’s YouTube channel, Khalil, who serves as Editor-in-Chief of Netra News, said that the interim government’s public relations arm appears to be operating with more efficiency than several key ministries, including the home ministry.
“There’s a clear imbalance here,” he said. “The communications side is humming, while the core administrative machinery seems half-asleep.”
Khalil claimed that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is also observing this dynamic, though he didn’t clarify in what capacity or with what reaction.
He was especially critical of the government’s handling of enforced disappearances. The formation of a Commission of Inquiry, he argued, amounts to symbolic action rather than real progress.
“They seem to think setting up a commission is enough,” Khalil said. “But no concrete steps have followed. The victims and their families are still waiting.”
He saved his most pointed praise for press secretary Shafiqul Alam, dubbing him a “spin master” who is “possibly the most effective in the country’s history.”
He compared Alam’s role directly to the political operatives in the UK known for skillfully managing and manipulating the public narrative.
“His job is to push the government’s message,” Khalil explained. “And in that regard, he’s doing it very well.”
Still, the effectiveness of the press wing doesn’t necessarily translate into good governance. Khalil pointed out that while the communication strategy is polished, the actual policy work appears lacking.
He also dismissed the recently publicized July Charter, describing it as “useless.”
“I do not subscribe to the idea of the July Charter,” he said. “It doesn’t address the real issues people are facing. It’s not urgent. It’s not relevant.”
The interim government is already facing a storm of public criticism over its policies and credibility. Now, Khalil’s candid comments have just handed their critics fresh ammunition.
His remarks are guaranteed to fuel even more debate about the government’s true agenda and whether “spin” is their primary tool for getting things done.
