Global TV Bangladesh’s Head of News, Naznin Muni, says a group of young men claiming to represent the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (Baisamya-Birodhi Chhatra Andolon) entered the channel’s Tejgaon office on December 21 and demanded her dismissal, warning they would “set the office on fire like Prothom Alo and The Daily Star” if management refused.
Muni, who joined Global TV in July after serving as assignment editor at DBC News, described the visit in a Facebook post and in comments to Prothom Alo, calling it part of a broader pattern of intimidation against the media. She said the men first complained about coverage of the death of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, then accused her of partisan links and pressed the managing director (MD), Ahmed Hossain, to remove her within 48 hours. According to Muni, the MD declined to sign a paper committing to her termination; a colleague accompanying him signed instead. She added that the channel initially asked her to keep a low profile for a few days, but she decided to speak publicly: “I will not stay silent.”
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s central president, Rashidul Islam (Rifat Rashid), confirmed that a city unit member named Pritu went to Global TV and submitted a memorandum seeking Muni’s removal, labeling her “a collaborator of fascism.” He said the document did not include any threat of arson, that the act was undertaken without central authorization, and that a show-cause notice has been issued. “We do not support attacks on the media,” he said, adding that the organization would expel the member if the channel files a complaint.
Global TV MD Ahmed Hossain declined to comment when contacted about the alleged threat. Muni, who says she previously left DBC in June under political pressure and has received repeated threats, denied any affiliation with the Awami League and urged proof if such claims are made.
The incident follows the December 18 ransacking and arson attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement helped lead last year’s July–August uprising and later co-launched the National Citizens’ Party (NCP). After months of limited public activity, a new student leadership committee was elected on June 25, amid sporadic reports of the platform’s name being used in contentious episodes.
Police have not publicly detailed any investigation related to Sunday’s visit to Global TV. Muni said she views the pressure campaign as part of “a sustained assault meant to frighten the press,” adding: “Those who can influence people are being targeted to be pushed out of media.”