A group of student protesters stormed the offices of City Group, the investor behind Somoy Television, accusing the station of spreading “propaganda” in support of a political party they deem fallen. The protest, led by Hasnat Abdullah of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, unfolded on December 17, escalating tensions over media impartiality in Bangladesh.
The protesters, many of whom had been active in the August revolution that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claimed that Somoy TV was twisting their comments and promoting biased viewpoints. Hasnat emphasized their support for press freedom but stressed that the media must remain neutral. Despite these demands, reports emerged that a list of journalists to be fired was allegedly presented, though Hasnat denied this claim.
In the wake of the protest, five journalists, including senior editor Omar Faroque, were dismissed without explanation. Faroque expressed frustration, stating that the television station’s management requested their resignation for the “greater good” of the station, yet provided no clarity on their decision.
The incident has heightened fears among journalists already concerned about press freedom in the country. Under Hasina’s regime, media outlets faced intense pressure, with several independent news outlets shut down, and journalists jailed or investigated for their reporting. This crackdown intensified after the August revolution, which toppled Hasina’s government, leaving many in the media fearing retaliation.
Somoy TV and other stations with perceived ties to the former government have since come under attack. In November, protesters surrounded the offices of Prothom Alo, Bangladesh’s largest Bengali-language newspaper, threatening its closure. Similarly, The Daily Star faced similar threats, underscoring the deepening divide between media outlets and political factions.
Bangladesh’s press freedom is among the worst globally, ranking 165th out of 180 countries according to Reporters Without Borders, a testament to the challenges journalists continue to face in the country.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE