MEA Criticizes CNN Report for Misrepresenting India’s Role in Bangladesh Floods

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed a CNN report suggesting that India is responsible for the recent flooding in Bangladesh, labeling the report as “misleading” and “factually incorrect.”

In a statement issued during the weekly media briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticized the CNN report for its portrayal of India’s involvement. He stated, “The CNN report on the flood situation in Bangladesh misrepresents the facts and implies that India is responsible for the floods. This narrative is factually incorrect and overlooks the clarifications provided by the Government of India.”

Jaiswal further explained that the report failed to acknowledge the ongoing exchange of data and critical information between India and Bangladesh through established joint mechanisms for water resource management. The MEA stressed that this cooperation is vital for managing and mitigating flood risks in the region.

The CNN report had cited claims from residents in Feni, a Bangladeshi town near the Indian border, who accused India of releasing water from the Dumbur Dam in Tripura without prior warning. The report included statements from locals like Shoriful Islam, who alleged that the dam gates were opened without notice, exacerbating the flooding.

In response, India has denied that the dam release was intentional. The Government explained that excessive rainfall and a power outage, coupled with a communications breakdown, prevented the usual advance warning to downstream communities.

Earlier in the day, UN News Service reported on social media that severe monsoon conditions have affected over 18 million people in Bangladesh. The floods have trapped more than 1.2 million families, with major rivers in Chattogram and Sylhet regions flowing above dangerous levels, worsening the situation.

According to UNICEF, the floods have resulted in at least 20 deaths and forced around 285,000 people into more than 3,500 shelters. The severe weather has also caused extensive damage to roads, croplands, and fisheries, severely impacting local livelihoods.