(BSS), popularly dubbed a “white elephant” run on public funds, is facing investigation over allegations of embezzling Tk 50 million in an audio-visual project.
Following complaints from BSS journalists and employees, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to form a four-member probe committee.
An Additional Secretary of the ministry will serve as the committee’s chair. Other members include the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Information, the Director General of the Mass Communication Department, and the Senior Assistant Secretary (Press-1) of the ministry, who will act as member secretary.
Office Confrontation After Interim Government’s Exit
On Wednesday, after the departure of the interim government, journalists and employees at BSS reportedly confined Morshed inside his office at Purana Paltan in the capital.
In a Facebook post, Morshed wrote:
“Dear BNP, you are coming to power, and I am happy. I am serving as the MD and Editor-in-Chief of BSS under appointment by the interim government. You may not wish to keep me in this position. There are recognized procedures for terminating contracts or removing someone. Why, instead of following those, are you trying to remove me by creating a mob in the office, attacking, and locking it down?”
Appointment Controversy and Political Tensions
Sources said Morshed was appointed to the post at the preference of interim government adviser Asif Nazrul, bypassing professional and journalist union leaders. This reportedly caused dissatisfaction among BNP- and Jamaat-backed aspirant journalist leaders who had hoped for the position.
At the same time, it is alleged that Morshed failed to build rapport with journalists within the organization, partly due to his perceived closeness to Asif Nazrul.
As a result, several protest movements were organized against him, and letters were sent to the ministry seeking action. However, each time, he was said to have enjoyed the backing of Asif Nazrul.
Allegations of Suppression and Workplace Harassment
Morshed is also accused of suppressing a report by the “Disappearance Commission” and of mentally harassing reporter Rafiqul Islam over coverage related to enforced disappearances.
According to colleagues, Rafiqul Islam developed physical problems in his legs after traveling extensively across different districts to visit families of the disappeared.
Claims of Political Bias in Recruitment
Allegations have also surfaced describing Morshed as aligned with Shahbagh or leftist politics, giving protesters grounds to accuse him of links to “fascism.”
Sources further claim that the post of MD-Chairman at BSS is directly appointed at the prime minister’s discretion, while other positions are often influenced by party affiliation and recommendations from powerful ministers.
In that context, it is alleged that many journalists appointed at BSS had affiliations or backing from the BNP, Awami League, or Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as from journalist unions and their networks.
Observers say Morshed’s attempt to sideline politically influential journalists and consolidate influence under Asif Nazrul ultimately placed him at the center of controversy.
Several BNP- and Jamaat-leaning journalist leaders are reportedly eager to secure the post.
