Simultaneously, JMBF condemns the recent attacks on Daily Prothom Alo, Daily Star, and the banning of journalists from entering the Bangladesh Secretariat by canceling their press accreditation cards.
The dismissal of journalists under undue pressure, the cancellation of accreditation cards, and the banning of media personnel from accessing critical government facilities all reflect a suppression of press freedom and the manipulation of media institutions through coercion. These actions represent blatant attacks on the pillars of democracy and human rights.
JMBF urges the conduct of an independent investigation with a thorough and impartial inquiry to determine the extent of Hasnat Abdullah’s involvement and the mechanisms of pressure applied to Somoy TV’s management. JMBF demands exemplary punishment for the alleged perpetrators involved in these human rights violations through a transparent, impartial, and speedy trial.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, expressed his deep concerns, stating: "The alleged actions of Hasnat Abdullah in pressuring an investor to dismiss journalists constitute a dangerous assault on press freedom and professional independence. Such interference undermines the very principles of democracy and free expression, which are essential for a just society. We must hold accountable those who use their influence to silence dissent and manipulate the media for personal or political gain."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladesh human rights lawyer and Founder President of JMBF, denounced the incident, declaring: "The forced dismissal of journalists from Somoy TV is a grave injustice and an affront to press freedom in Bangladesh. Hasnat Abdullah’s reported role in this matter is not only unethical but sets a dangerous precedent for external influence over independent journalism. Journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or undue interference. JMBF calls for an immediate investigation into this incident and demands the reinstatement of the dismissed journalists."
JMBF believes that the dismissal of these journalists not only disrupts their lives and careers but also erodes public trust in the media. The media’s role as a watchdog of democracy must not be compromised by the influence of powerful individuals or groups.
JMBF emphasizes the reinstatement of the five dismissed journalists to their positions, ensuring their rights and reputations are restored, as well as the protection of journalistic integrity by taking measures to safeguard the independence of media institutions from political or activist interference.
JMBF also urges the restoration of press accreditation for those whose cards have been canceled and the immediate reversal of the restrictions on access to government facilities, especially the Bangladesh Secretariat, for journalists.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in solidarity with the dismissed journalists and urges the international community to raise its voice against this violation of press freedom. We remain committed to advocating for justice, transparency, and the protection of human rights for all.
Thank you.
Fact in Brief:
According to news reports published in various media outlets in Bangladesh and abroad, a group of Bangladeshi student protesters entered the offices of the investor of a television station, accusing it of "propaganda." As a result of the protest, at least five journalists were subsequently fired. The dismissed journalists include Chief Input Editor Omar Faruk, Chief Output Editor Ariful Sajjad, Digital Head Kamal Shahriar, Associate Special Reporter Debashish Roy, and Senior Reporter Bulbul Reza.
Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, led around 15 to 20 students on December 17 to the offices of City Group, which invests in Somoy Television.
On December 26, a BBC report, citing the French news agency AFP, revealed allegations against Hasnat Abdullah, a prominent figure in the anti-discrimination student movement. The report claimed that Abdullah, along with a group of approximately 15 individuals, visited the headquarters of City Group and exerted pressure on the organization to terminate certain employees.
City Group's Managing Director, Md. Hasan, confirmed to BBC Bangla that such a visit and subsequent pressure occurred.
The controversy stems from accusations by five journalists who were dismissed from their positions. They allege that on December 18, Hasnat Abdullah met with City Group's managing director, the investor of Somoy TV, and presented a list containing 10 names from the TV station, demanding their dismissal.
In a developing controversy, dismissed senior reporter Bulbul Reza of Somoy TV shared troubling allegations regarding his termination. Speaking to Deutsche Welle, Reza recounted, "I was at home after night duty on the 21st. On the morning of the 22nd, we were summoned to the office and dismissed. When we asked why, Somoy TV chairman Morshedul Islam said, 'We also have authorities. The City Group, which manages Somoy TV, believes that the station will be risk-free if you five are not there.' We were pressured to resign, and when we refused, we were terminated without a stated reason in the dismissal letter."
Reza further alleged that a coordinator, identified as Hasnat Abdullah, led a group to City Group’s office with a list of 10 employees to be dismissed. "He also provided names of individuals to be appointed in our place," Reza claimed.
Journalist Omar Faruk, another of the dismissed reporters, echoed claims of undue external pressure leading to their termination.
Speaking to Deutsche Welle, Faruk revealed, "We were told by Somoy TV authorities that a team led by coordinator Hasnat Abdullah went to the office of the chairman of City Group. They provided a list with our names on it, stating that if we were not removed from our jobs, there would be problems—not just for Somoy TV but also for the industrial group associated with the network."
Faruk further alleged that false narratives were fabricated to justify their dismissal. "We have been unfairly dismissed by fabricating false stories and pressuring them. Because of the allegations they have spread through various social media, we are now uncertain about getting new jobs," he said, highlighting the potential professional and personal consequences of the controversy.
The dismissal of five journalists from Somoy TV has drawn attention to a broader crisis facing media professionals in Bangladesh, as political instability and external pressures increasingly threaten press freedom.
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5, several private television channels and newspaper offices were attacked and set ablaze. Numerous journalists faced murder charges, with several already arrested. After Hasina's government fell, several TV channels, including Somoy TV, came under attack for their alleged allegiance to her Awami League.
In November, protesters besieged the offices of Prothom Alo, the largest Bangla-language newspaper, and threatened to shut it down, as well as The Daily Star.
The Broadcast Journalists Center reported that over 150 television journalists have been dismissed this year, alongside numerous newspaper journalists. The scale of these terminations highlights a troubling trend of suppression and retaliation targeting media workers.
More than 300 journalists have been implicated in cases, including more than 100 journalists involved in murder cases, among whom four have been arrested and sent to jail custody. Moreover, previously, the accreditation cards of 167 journalists had been canceled, and recently, all entrances of journalists into the Bangladesh Secretariat have been banned by the present interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus.
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