During the 15-year tenure of the Awami League government (2009–2024), the media landscape in Bangladesh was shaped by a "politico-commercial nexus." Investigative reports following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, highlight how specific media conglomerates and pro-regime intellectuals allegedly benefited from state patronage, including multi-million dollar asset acquisitions and preferential government funding.
This report examines the entities and individuals identified by the Media Reform Commission and international transparency groups.
The Infrastructure of Influence: Media Conglomerates
Major media licenses were predominantly granted to business groups with close ties to the Awami League. These conglomerates reportedly used their media outlets to secure government contracts and protect diverse business interests ranging from textiles to energy.
1. Key "Regime-Aligned" Networks
Following the regime's collapse, several senior executives and editors faced investigations for alleged incitement and corruption.
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Ekattor TV: Managed by Mozammel Haque Babu, who was arrested in September 2024. The channel was a primary vehicle for the regime's narratives. His bank accounts, along with the channel's institutional accounts, were flagged for investigation by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU).
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Somoy TV: Partly owned by the family of former Awami League Minister Qamrul Islam. It benefited from monopolistic control over advertising mechanisms and television ratings (TRP), which allowed it to capture a disproportionate share of the market.
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Bhorer Kagoj: Led by Shyamal Dutta, who faced significant legal scrutiny and detention in 2025. Investigations focus on his role in the Jatiya Press Club and alleged use of the publication to suppress student-led dissent.
2. Alleged Financial Benefits and Funds
Patronage often came through direct state mechanisms and illicit capital flight.
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Journalist Welfare Trust: Critics argue that funds intended for all journalists were often funneled toward pro-regime factions within the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ).
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Capital Flight and Real Estate: A 2024/2025 joint investigation by Transparency International UK and The Guardian identified nearly £400 million ($500 million) in UK property owned by influential figures linked to the Hasina regime. This includes mansions in Mayfair and luxury apartments acquired during her tenure.
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Embezzlement from Mega-Projects: The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and international agencies like the FBI allege that the inner circle siphoned billions from projects like the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, with funds routed through offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands and Malaysia.
The Intellectual Circle: Co-opted Academics
A circle of intellectuals was central to manufacturing public compliance. These figures utilized secular narratives to justify the suppression of opposition and student movements.
Key Figures and Benefits
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Nayeemul Islam Khan: Former Press Secretary to the Prime Minister. In March 2025, the BFIU ordered the freezing of his personal and institutional bank accounts, along with those of his family, over allegations of amassing unexplained wealth.
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Shahriar Kabir & Muntasir Mamun: Influential in the "Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee." They are currently under investigation for allegedly inciting violence and receiving state grants and prime land allocations in Dhaka.
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Subhash Singha Roy: Frequently used to defend the regime on televised talk shows. He is accused of receiving preferential consultancy roles in state projects.
2025 Media Reforms and Accountability
As of late 2025, the Interim Government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has initiated the Media Reform Commission to break these monopolies.
| Reform Measure | Objective |
| "One House One Media" Policy | Prevents cross-ownership (e.g., owning both a TV station and a newspaper). |
| Public Listing Requirement | Media companies above a certain size must be publicly listed to ensure transparency. |
| Asset Recovery | Coordination with the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) to freeze and seize stolen assets. |
Verified Investigative Resources
For researchers verifying legal and financial data, these direct resources provide the underlying evidence:
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Media Reform Commission (Interim Govt): Official Mandate and Findings 2025
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Transparency International UK: Bangladeshi Elite's UK Property Empire Investigation
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International Crimes Tribunal (ICT): Public Case Records and Convictions
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Committee to Protect Journalists: Bangladesh Archives on Press Freedom
