DHAKA: Student protesters in Bangladesh stormed the offices of a television station investor on Tuesday for “accommodating the views of a decadent political party”, after which at least five journalists were fired. went
The students took part in the August revolution that overthrew Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose tenure has been marked as one of the worst for media freedom.
Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the Students’ Movement Against Discrimination, led about 15 to 20 students on December 17 to the offices of Citigroup, which invests. Somoy Television.
“Somoy Television was spreading propaganda, distorting my comments, and giving space to the views of a decadent political party,” Hasnat said. AFP.
“We are strong supporters of freedom of the press, but the press should remain neutral,” Hasnat said, adding that he saw no problem in making the demands – but dismissed reports that the students had Listed those they wanted to fire.
The managing director of the business conglomerate that funds the television station did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
This incident has increased fear and panic among journalists in the context of the revolution.
A journalist, Umar Farooq, who had been a senior editor at a television station, said he was among the five who received a termination letter without cause.
“Television officials asked a few of us to quit for the betterment of the station,” Farooq said. AFP.
“We asked for an explanation about the decision, but the authorities refused to provide any.”
Interim leader Muhammad Younis has repeatedly insisted that he wants media freedom.
Yunus’ press secretary Shafiq Alam tried to distance himself from the government, saying that if anyone “takes any action, the responsibility is on them”.
Press watchdogs say many journalists – seen by critics as supporting Hasina when she was in power – face police investigations in apparent retaliation for their past work.
At least four journalists were jailed, and hundreds are facing lawsuits across the country.
Hasina and her government were often accused of putting undue pressure on a handful of independent media outlets, including shutting down newspapers and TV channels and imprisoning journalists.
After the fall of Hasina’s government, several TV channels, including Somoy TV, came under attack for their alleged loyalty to the Awami League.
In November, protesters besieged the offices of the largest Bengali-language newspaper – Pratham Alu – and threatened to shut it down, as well as the Daily Star.
Press freedom has long been under threat in Bangladesh.
According to Reporters Without Borders, Bangladesh ranks 165 out of 180 countries in press freedom.