Hasnat Abdullah Allegedly Forces Somoy TV to Lay Off Journalists

Staff Correspondent

Dhaka: Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, reportedly pressured Somoy TV’s management to terminate 10 journalists. On 17 December, Abdullah and his associates allegedly forced their way into the office of City Group Managing Director Hasan and issued threats. City Group owns the popular television channel.

Journalists said Abdullah threatened the MD and demanded the dismissal of 10 journalists. On Sunday, five of them were reportedly asked to resign.

The affected journalists include Output Editor Ariful Sajjad, Input Editor Omar Faruq, Head of Digital Kamal Shahriar, News Editor Joni, Senior Reporter Bulbul Reza, Associate Special Correspondent Debashish Roy, Chattogram Bureau Chief Komol Dey, Executive Cameraman Salah Uddin Lia, Executive Producer Rafiul Islam and Associate Manager Mahmud Moktar.

Senior journalist Rafiqur Ranju criticised the move. He said the listed journalists were committed to the public interest and had supported the July-August movement.

Journalists and media houses have faced increasing challenges since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on 5 August. Many have reported threats, lawsuits and attacks. The interim government has denied supporting these actions but concerns remain among local and international media organisations.