From 1/11 of 2007 to 2025: Jaijaidin and Shafik Rehman in Bangladesh’s Media Landscape

Dhaka, March 12, 2025: Veteran Bangladeshi journalist and political analyst Shafik Rehman has returned to the country after years of exile, attempting to reclaim his pioneering newspaper, Jaijaidin. However, his efforts have sparked intense debate, controversy, and political disputes.

Recently, the Dhaka District Administration revoked Jaijaidin’s declaration, while HRC Media Limited alleged that Rehman’s activities led to this decision. In response, on Wednesday (March 12), Jaijaidin's acting editor Kazi Rukunuddin Ahmed held a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity. He claimed that on December 15, 2024, an armed group, allegedly backed by a faction supporting Rehman, forcibly occupied Jaijaidin's headquarters.

Kazi Rukunuddin Ahmed further accused the group of illegally launching a new newspaper under the name Dainik Jaijaidin Protidin, mimicking the original logo. He stated, “This is not just an attack on press freedom but a direct threat to the existence of an independent media. We demand the immediate restoration of Jaijaidin and its original declaration.”

Meanwhile, HRC Media Limited countered these allegations, stating that in 2007, facing financial difficulties, Shafik Rehman had sold Jaijaidin Publications shares to HRC Group Chairman Saeed Hossain Chowdhury. They argued, “Rehman not only sold Jaijaidin but also its office building in exchange for money. Now, he is fabricating a baseless narrative of occupation.”

During the press conference, when confronted by journalists, HRC Media representatives admitted that Shafik Rehman did not directly receive cash. Instead, documents were arranged to settle his bank loans. This admission further fueled doubts among journalists.

Under mounting pressure from reporters’ persistent questioning, HRC Media officials abruptly ended the press conference and left the venue, adding more controversy and sparking new discussions in media circles.

Background:
Shafik Rehman founded Jaijaidin in 1984, positioning it as a vocal opponent of then-military ruler Ershad’s regime. In 2007, during the military-backed caretaker government, he was forced to leave Jaijaidin under pressure from the army chief. This was documented in the U.S. State Department’s 2008 annual human rights report.

Later, in 2016, Rehman was arrested over allegations of plotting to kidnap and assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, in the U.S. After nearly six months in jail, he was released on bail. In 2023, he was sentenced to seven years in prison for the same case. However, the current interim government has suspended his sentence and granted him permanent bail.

Given the ongoing controversy, journalists are calling for an impartial investigation into Jaijaidin’s rightful ownership. Many argue that Jaijaidin is more than just a newspaper—it is a significant part of Bangladesh’s media and press freedom history. Therefore, a transparent resolution is essential for the future of the publication.

In the coming days, the battle over Jaijaidin between Shafik Rehman and HRC Media Limited will remain a focal point of discussion within Bangladesh’s media and political landscape.