April 24, 2025 10:59 am
Full News

Press Freedom Under Attack in Bangladesh: News Outlet Shut Down for Exposing Corruption

Journalism in Bangladesh has taken a severe hit under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, with freedom of the press seemingly reduced to a hollow concept. The abrupt shutdown of the online news portal Daily Bangladesh has shocked the nation’s media landscape. The outlet was penalized for exposing corruption among key leaders of the student movement that facilitated Yunus’s rise to power.

On January 8, Daily Bangladesh published an investigative report titled “Coordination Leaders’ Influence Peddling: How a Rafi Alone Made 320 Million Taka.” The report detailed allegations of large-scale corruption by Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi, a prominent figure among the coordinators, alongside others such as Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who now hold advisory positions in Yunus’s government. The report revealed how these individuals amassed millions through influence-peddling and abuse of power.

The publication of the article triggered outrage among the coordinators and their allies, who quickly pressured the government to suppress the story. Within 30 minutes of its release, the government ordered the removal of the report, forcing Daily Bangladesh to issue a public apology. However, this did not satisfy the coordinators, who demanded further action against the news outlet. In response, under directives reportedly issued by Army Chief Wakar Uz Zaman, the government shut down the outlet indefinitely.

This incident has left journalists across the country alarmed. The shutdown of Daily Bangladesh, a platform previously controlled by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), sends a chilling message that exposing corruption or criticizing those in power will not be tolerated.

The coordinators, who were instrumental in the ousting of the previous Awami League government, are accused of using mob tactics to suppress dissent. They have reportedly influenced key government decisions, including the removal of officials they deem unfavorable. The backlash against Daily Bangladesh highlights how the government appears to prioritize appeasing these coordinators over safeguarding press freedom or investigating serious allegations.

The situation has drawn sharp criticism from the public. Many have questioned why the government failed to investigate the corruption allegations before silencing the outlet. Concerns have also been raised about the journalists who are now unemployed due to the shutdown. Critics argue that the incident exemplifies how press freedom has become a casualty under Yunus’s administration, as any attempt to uncover the truth is met with severe consequences.

The closure of Daily Bangladesh is not an isolated event. Previously, journalists from other prominent media outlets faced threats and dismissals for reporting on controversial issues involving Yunus’s supporters. This latest crackdown further underscores the deteriorating state of journalism in Bangladesh, where truth and accountability appear to have been sacrificed to protect those in power.

While the government continues to promote itself as a defender of free speech, actions such as these paint a very different picture. The future of journalism in Bangladesh under Yunus’s government remains uncertain, with journalists and citizens alike fearing that the space for critical reporting may continue to shrink. The silencing of Daily Bangladesh has left the nation grappling with the question: how long can truth survive in such an oppressive environment?

Related News
20 Bodies Washed Ashore Off Libya, Suspected to Be Bangladeshis
World Bank Highlights Nature-Based Tourism’s Role in Economic Growth and Biodiversity Conservation
Devils Laugh Last: The Tale of 21 August Grenade Attack in Bangladesh
Nepal Begins Exporting Electricity to Bangladesh Using Indian Grid
Kashmir Attack: Muslim Youth Sacrifices Life to Save Tourists
Lady Gaga Makes Political Statement on Trans Rights
Related Posts
Pakistan Responds to India by Canceling Simla Agreement
Sarah Michelle Gellar Says No to I Know What You Did Sequel
Angelina Jolie’s 2002 Romcom Becomes Surprise Netflix Hit
EU Rules Out Decoupling from China Amid US Trade Talks
Pakistan Slams India’s Decision to Limit Ties as ‘Childish’
World Bank Warns of Sluggish Growth in Bangladesh and South Asia, Urges Tax Reform for Stability
More News

Chinese Hackers Breach U.S. Telecom Networks in Major Espionage Campaign

WASHINGTON – Chinese government-linked hackers have infiltrated the networks of at least eight U.S. telecommunications companies in a large-scale cyber espionage campaign, according to a federal investigation. The attackers gained access to sensitive communications, targeting government officials and prominent political figures, a top White House official confirmed. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the […]

Soldier-Spies in Myanmar Undermine Military Strength to Aid Pro-Democracy Rebels

Myanmar’s military, once a formidable force, is increasingly weakened by internal fractures as spies within its ranks secretly work for pro-democracy rebels. The military, which staged a coup in 2021, now controls less than a quarter of the country’s territory, according to a BBC World Service investigation. While the junta maintains control of major cities, […]

Bangladesh will have to wait longer to get the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for duty-free export to the US market.

The United States is not satisfied with Bangladesh’s progress on a number of issues, including labor rights. Finance and Commerce Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed told reporters after a meeting with US State Department officials and Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Washington on Thursday.They want to see more progress in this area. However, it is […]

Citizenship Proof Required to Vote in the US

To prevent election fraud, US President Donald Trump issued a new executive order on Tuesday, March 25. According to this order, voters must now present proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or other official documents, to cast their votes. This information was reported by the British news agency Reuters. Additionally, the order […]

Jon Stewart Blasts Democrats and Elon Musk Over Trump’s Inauguration

Jon Stewart didn’t hold back his criticisms during his post-Inauguration Daily Show segment, mocking the Democratic lawmakers who attended President Trump’s inauguration. While showing footage of Democrats greeting the new president with smiles, Stewart targeted their willingness to participate in the ceremony, despite their vocal opposition to Trump in the past. He quipped, “Look at […]

Fresh Speculation Surrounds Trump’s Potential Third Presidential Term

Longtime ally Steve Bannon has reignited discussions about Donald Trump pursuing a third presidential term, despite constitutional limitations. Speaking on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Bannon claimed to have a team exploring ways to navigate the 22nd Amendment, which restricts individuals from being elected president more than twice.Bannon declared, “President Trump is going to […]

House of Journalist Vandalized in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh’s Shibchar upazila of Madaripur district, allegations have emerged against a rival group for vandalizing the residence of a journalist over a land dispute. Following the vandalism, attackers reportedly fled during a joint operation by local authorities. The incident occurred on Monday morning, January 27, in Mofitulah Howlader’s Kandi village under Bandar Khola Union. […]

UK Court Sentences Father and Stepmother to Life for Murder of 10-Year-Old Sara Sharif

A UK court has sentenced the father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, a British-Pakistani girl, to life in prison for her murder. Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, 43, received a minimum of 40 years, while her stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30, was handed a minimum of 33 years.Sara was found dead in August 2023 at her […]

Hema Malini, BJP MP from Mathura, Condemns Atrocities Against Hindus in Bangladesh in Lok Sabha

Hema Malini Condemns Atrocities Against Hindus in Bangladesh, Urges Immediate Action New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS) – BJP MP from Mathura and renowned Krishna devotee Hema Malini voiced strong condemnation of the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Highlighting the religious and cultural ties between the […]

Middle East Conflict Escalates with Heavy Casualties in Gaza and Lebanon

The conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, with intense fighting resulting in significant civilian and military casualties: The escalating violence has drawn international concern as the region faces a worsening humanitarian crisis. Calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic intervention are growing amidst the devastation.