Global TV Bangladesh Chief Threatened With Arson Demand Over Journalist’s Removal

Amid escalating violence against media houses in Bangladesh, the Dhaka office of Global TV Bangladesh has received a direct threat, with a group of youths allegedly warning that the premises would be set on fire unless its head of news, Naznin Munni, was removed from her position.

According to Munni, a group of seven to eight individuals visited the channel’s office in the Tejgaon area earlier this week and issued an ultimatum, claiming she was an Awami League supporter. The journalist has denied any political affiliation and said the allegation was being used as a pretext to intimidate independent media voices.

The threat comes days after the offices of leading Bangladeshi newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were vandalised and set on fire, drawing international condemnation and renewed concern over press freedom in the country.

In a Facebook post, Munni said the youths warned that Global TV would meet the same fate as the attacked newspapers if she did not resign. “They told me that if I do not quit my job, they will burn down the office like Prothom Alo and The Daily Star,” she wrote, describing the incident as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against journalists.

The individuals claimed to be associated with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which led mass protests last year. However, the group has denied involvement. Its president, Rifat Rashid, said the organisation had no role in the incident and assured that action would be taken if any member was found responsible.

Munni said she was not present at the office during the incident. The group reportedly confronted the managing director, accusing the channel of inadequate coverage of the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a controversial youth leader known for his strong anti-India rhetoric who rose to prominence during the 2024 student uprising that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

According to Munni, the youths demanded a written undertaking from the management stating that she would be removed within 48 hours. When the managing director refused, they allegedly issued further threats, saying that even major newspapers had failed to protect themselves.

The incident has intensified concerns over journalist safety in Bangladesh, with media professionals warning that sustained intimidation threatens the country’s already fragile press freedom environment.