The chief adviser's press wing has strongly reacted to a news report published by The New York Times, which it claims presents a skewed and misleading portrayal of Bangladesh's political and social landscape.

The response, issued in reaction to the report titled "As Bangladesh Reinvents Itself, Islamist Hard-Liners See an Opening", says that the article unfairly depicts the country as being on the brink of religious extremism while disregarding significant progress made under the interim government.

Shafiqul Alam, the chief adviser's press secretary, also posted the same response on this verified Facebook page, which says, "This portrayal not only oversimplifies the political and social dynamics of the country but also risks unfairly smearing an entire nation of 180 million people."

The rebuttal says it was crucial to acknowledge the progress Bangladesh made over the last year and the complex situation "rather than relying on selective, incendiary examples that paint an inaccurate picture".

Having stamped the report as "misleading", the statement points out that while the NY Times article focuses on a few incidents of religious tension, it neglects the broader strides Bangladesh has made, particularly in women's empowerment.

"While the article highlights certain incidents of religious tension and conservative movements, it overlooks the broader context of progress. Bangladesh has made substantial strides in improving the conditions for women, and the interim government has been particularly committed to their security and well-being. This is a government that has prioritised women's rights and security, a focus that stands in stark contrast to the bleak image painted in the article," it read.

The CA press wing cites the Youth Festival 2025, where nearly 2.7 million girls participated in over 3,000 games and cultural activities nationwide, as evidence of women's active engagement in society. It criticises the NY Times report for focusing on a single disrupted event while ignoring the overwhelming success of the initiative.

The statement also defends Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, countering NY Times contention that he has not sufficiently pushed back against extremist forces. It notes that that Nobel peace laureate, known for his work in women's empowerment through Grameen Bank, remains a steadfast advocate for women's rights and social progress.

The press wing challenges the article's characterisation of recent unrest, asserting that much of the conflict following Sheikh Hasina's departure has been "political rather than sectarian". It argues that political factions often exploit religious sentiment, complicating the situation and leading to misinterpretations. The government, it states, remains committed to protecting minority communities and combating extremism through law enforcement and international cooperation.

The rebuttal also highlights Bangladesh's economic resilience, with exports reportedly growing by nearly 12% in the past seven months, a stable banking sector, and a steady exchange rate of 123 BDT against the dollar. It notes recent global investments, including a $2.1 billion commitment from China, and the upcoming investors conference in Dhaka, which is set to attract over 2,300 participants from 50 countries. The statement argues that these developments demonstrate Bangladesh's rising economic stature, a narrative absent from the NY Times article.

The statement criticises the article for picking on isolated incidents to paint a picture of widespread extremism, asserting that Bangladesh should not be defined by a few selective examples.

"Furthermore, the notion that the rise of extremism is an inevitable outcome of Bangladesh's political transition is far too deterministic. The country's democratic spirit and vibrant civil society are powerful forces that continue to hold back the full rise of extremist ideologies. While challenges remain, the long-term direction of Bangladesh will not be shaped solely by the actions of extremists. The people of Bangladesh, particularly its youth and women, are determined to continue the fight for a just, democratic, and inclusive society," it adds.

It emphasises that while challenges exist, Bangladesh is not unique in facing the global issue of religious extremism and is actively addressing it through counterterrorism measures and social reforms.

"Bangladesh is not alone in facing the challenge of religious extremism; this is a global issue that many countries confront in different forms. However, Bangladesh has continuously worked to address these challenges through law enforcement, social reforms, and counterterrorism initiatives. The country's commitment to protecting its diverse population—whether Muslim, Hindu, Christian, or any other community—remains steadfast. While there will always be hardliners who spew hatred at rallies and on social media, it is our responsibility to deny them the oxygen their anger requires," the statement said.