Since August 2024, Bangladesh’s media landscape has experienced significant upheaval amid a backdrop of political instability. This transformation, marked by a rise in influence from right-wing Islamist entities, has reshaped television news channels, reflecting the country’s ongoing socio-political shifts. Channels like DBC, Boisakhi TV, and RTV have rapidly aligned with this new dynamic, while longstanding players such as Jamaat-e-Islami’s Diganta TV, Islami TV, and Gazi TV continue to exert their presence. Meanwhile, the S Alam Group, under Saiful Alam who has been absent since the political turmoil last August, is poised to unveil Star TV, awaiting the right opportunity.
A particularly notable shift occurred with Mohona TV. In December last year, Mohona TV saw a change in leadership when the A B Party ousted former chairman Kamal Majumdar, previously an Awami League minister post-2018 elections. Vice Chairman of A B Party, Major (retd) Abdul Wahab Minar, facilitated this transition which led to Dr. Mohammad Atharuddin, his brother, assuming the role of chairman. Dr. Atharuddin, formerly a director with limited shares at Mohona, also leads Azmat Garments, a company reportedly generating a Taka 1,000 crore turnover. Sources within the industry suggest that financial backing for A B Party primarily stems from Dr. Atharuddin’s ventures.
The developments at Mohona TV underscore broader tensions in Bangladesh, influenced by A B Party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad, noted for his pronounced anti-India stance. Recently, Fuad was seen in a controversial video denouncing Bangladeshi President Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu and Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman during a Dhaka protest. Despite being approached by Northeast News for his perspective on the language used towards national leaders, Fuad initially agreed to a dialogue but later retracted his willingness to engage.
Questions posed to Fuad aimed to unravel the motivations behind his verbal attacks, analyze the alleged meeting between the Army Chief and the President, and explore reasons for the apparent de-escalation in student-led criticisms against General Waker-uz-Zaman. These queries also sought insight into Bangladesh’s future political direction and the timeline for forthcoming elections.
The power transition within Mohona TV is part of a broader narrative, reflecting the shifting sands of Bangladesh’s media undercurrents, where new alliances and adversities shape the country’s communications domain. This ongoing realignment follows the tumult that led to Sheikh Hasina’s dethronement as prime minister, creating a fertile ground for diverse political actors to vie for influence across media platforms.
Healthcare, social welfare, and international relations, especially with neighboring India, are intricately woven into these developments. The influence of media figures like Fuad and Atharuddin highlights the intricate interplay of politics and business, suggesting a complex trajectory for Bangladesh’s domestic and international posture.
As these changes unfold, the media landscape in Bangladesh continues to be a microcosm of larger societal transformations, reflecting the political, economic, and cultural shifts that will define the nation’s roadmap in years to come.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/neighbours/some-of-bangladeshs-tv-media-outlets-under-control-of-islamist-parties/23754/
Category : Neighbours,Bangladesh,media outlets
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Publish Date: 2025-04-18 14:29:00
