PRESS RELEASE/29 APRIL 2025
DHAKA
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BJIM expresses deep concern over TV journalists 'dismissals'
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Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) expresses deep concern over the reported termination of three television journalists from their respective media organisations.
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According to news and social media reports, the three journalists—Mizanur Rahman of Deepto TV, Fazle Rabbi of ATN Bangla, and Rafiqul Basar of Channel i—have been dismissed from their positions.
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Channel i, in a statement posted on its official Facebook page, stated that it had "exempted" its journalist for “not showing professionalism during the Q&A with the Cultural Affairs Adviser” and noted that an internal investigation was underway.
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ATN Bangla reportedly terminated Fazle Rabbi on similar grounds. However, Deepto TV did not provide any official explanation in its termination letter to Mizanur Rahman, as observed by BJIM.
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The implication that these terminations may be linked to the journalists’ questioning of the Cultural Affairs Adviser—and the subsequent backlash on social media—is deeply troubling as this culture of retaliation severely threatens press freedom and the journalists’ fundamental right to question; no journalist should face disciplinary action or public vilification for exercising that right.
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Fazle Rabbi, speaking to BJIM, expressed fear and distress due to a wave of online harassment and threats directed at him.
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When contacted, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting adviser claimed the government “had no involvement in this matter”.
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​BJIM urges the respective media outlets to immediately reinstate the journalists to their positions and stand by them in defense of their rights, instead of punishing them for carrying out their duties.
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We also call on the authorities to ensure the journalists’ safety and protect them from potential offline harm.
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All members of BJIM Executive Committee
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Note: This statement was updated on April 30, 2025, at 3:25pm to enhance clarity and impact.
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