Ekattor TV sacks news chief Shafique amid return of journalists sidelined after August 5

Ekattor TV has sacked its Chief Operating Officer and Head of News, Shafique Ahmed, weeks after journalists allegedly linked with the ousted Awami League (AL) were reinstated to the payroll, according to sources familiar with the development.

At least two sources familiar with the matter said Shafique, 51, was asked to resign on Monday. When he refused, his employment was terminated with immediate effect.

Shafique, a veteran journalist and former special correspondent at the station, was appointed COO and Head of News on August 7, 2024 — two days after the Awami League government was ousted from power.

On August 5, angry protesters attacked and set fire to Ekattor TV’s headquarters, causing millions of dollars in damage. The station had drawn intense criticism from political opponents and anti-government demonstrators over its staunch support for Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule and its coverage of the July uprising.

Sources said Shafique helped stabilise operations after the crisis, introducing more balanced coverage, bringing in new management personnel and featuring a wider range of voices on talk shows.

“As a result, Ekattor returned to profitability by November 2024,” one source said.

Tensions mounted last week after several journalists accused of pro-AL bias, who had been sidelined following August 5, were restored to key newsroom positions.

A source also said management asked the Shafique-led station to resume salary payments to three detained Ekattor journalists who are facing murder and other charges related to their alleged roles during the July uprising.

The source claimed Meghna Group of Industries (MGI) management directed Ekattor TV to pay Mozammel Babu — the station’s managing director, editor-in-chief and a shareholder — 16 lakh taka per month, along with roughly 500,000 taka each to his wife and daughter.

Management also ordered the resumption of monthly salaries of nearly 400,000 taka each for journalist couple Shakil Ahmed and Farzana Rupa, who were detained after the uprising, according to the source.

Human rights organisations have raised concerns over the journalists’ detention and called for due process and fair trials.

Shafique declined to comment on his termination.

Daily Waadaa contacted a senior MGI official for comment, but the official did not provide any clarification.

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