Md Ariful Islam, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Information Systems, University of Dhaka, Email: [email protected]
Samsul Alam, PhD Fellow, Department of Information Systems, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong and Assistant Professor, Department of Management Information Systems, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, Email: [email protected]
Farjana Parvin Chowdhury, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Information Systems, University of Dhaka, Email: [email protected]
Abstract
This study investigates Islamophobic tendencies in Bangladeshi newspaper headlines, with a focus on the portrayal of Ayesha Siddika Minni in reports on the Rifat Sharif murder case. By conducting a sentiment analysis of 400 headlines from 20 newspapers, the research identifies patterns of Islamophobic and neutral (non-Islamophobic) sentiment. The findings reveal that the majority of newspapers predominantly used the nickname "Minni," reflecting a neutral stance. However, a notable exception was Prothom Alo, which frequently employed Islamophobic naming variants such as "Ayesha" and "Ayesha Siddika," deviating from cultural and religious sensitivities. This variance incited frustration among the Muslim population of Bangladesh, highlighting the influence of biased media representations on societal perceptions. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive and ethical journalism to ensure balanced reporting, presenting recommendations for minimizing Islamophobic undertones and fostering inclusivity in media narratives.
Keywords: Islamophobia, newspaper, headline, Bangladesh, Ayesha Siddika Minni.
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