Bangladesh’s independent media is under pressure after threats were made against Naznin Munni, the Head of News at Global TV Bangladesh, a private television channel in Dhaka.
The incident comes just days after attacks on the offices of major newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, raising fears about growing intimidation against journalists.
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‘Remove Naznin Munni or Face Fire’
On 21 December, a group of youths visited Global TV’s office in Tejgaon and demanded that Naznin Munni be removed from her position.
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The group claimed to be part of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and reportedly threatened that the office would be set on fire if their demand was not met, similar to the recent attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
Naznin Munni later confirmed the threat in a Facebook post, saying that seven to eight people had come to the office to issue warnings as part of a wider campaign to intimidate journalists.
What Happened That Evening
According to Munni, the incident occurred while she was away from the office, after leaving a meeting with reporters around 8 pm.
The group met with Global TV’s Managing Director, Ahmed Hossain, complaining about the channel’s coverage of the death of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha.
The youths accused Munni of supporting the Awami League, which she has strongly denied. They demanded a written commitment that she would be dismissed within 48 hours, and when the Managing Director refused, they repeated the threat of arson.
Channel Management Responds
Following the incident, Munni said the channel advised her to stay away from the office and remain quiet for a few days. However, she chose to speak publicly, stating that silence was no longer an option.
Student Group Clarifies
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement said the visit was carried out by a city committee member without approval.
Its central president, Rifat Rashid, said the organization does not support attacks on the media and that the written memorandum did not mention arson.
A show-cause notice has been issued to the member involved, and the central body promised action if a formal complaint is filed. Fear Among Journalists in Bangladesh
Naznin Munni believes this threat is part of a broader attempt to intimidate independent media.
“They want to remove people who can speak freely,” Munni said, highlighting the ongoing risk to press freedom in Bangladesh.
No Official Comment Yet
Global TV’s Managing Director, Ahmed Hossain, has not commented publicly.