Press Secretary Shafiqul Allegedly Threatens Journalists Over Calls

Staff Correspondent | May 2, 2025

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has allegedly been intimidating journalists over phone calls for publishing critical reports about the government, asking tough questions at press briefings, and expressing dissenting opinions. Reports indicate he has directly instructed media offices to take action against targeted individuals, creating an atmosphere of fear among journalists.

Recently, three journalists were terminated following a press conference where they questioned Cultural Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. Reliable sources claim Shafiqul played a key role in these dismissals, with two journalists being fired on his directives and another media outlet preemptively dismissing their journalist to avoid conflict.

Such incidents are not isolated. Following last year’s July-August riots, nearly every media outlet reportedly faced staff terminations, allegedly influenced by the Press Secretary’s office.

In one instance, three journalists from Independent Television, owned by former Awami League Investment Advisor Salman F. Rahman, were dismissed post-August 5. A senior reporter revealed that staff aligned with the opposition and directives from the Press Secretary led to these terminations.

Another journalist from Desh TV recounted being forced out after Shafiqul pressured their management. The journalist added, “Shafiqul solidified his position and coerced the office to let me go.”

This pattern extends to reporters asking challenging questions at press briefings. A senior journalist shared their experience from April, when they questioned the legitimacy of certain foreign participants in an investment summit. “Shafiqul called me afterward, reprimanded me, and insulted me, labeling me ignorant,” they said.

The incidents highlight growing concerns over media freedom, with claims that even pro-liberation journalists are not spared from intimidation. Observers warn these practices undermine press independence and foster a culture of fear in Bangladesh’s media landscape.