Recently, Mohammadi Group’s television channel, Nagorik TV, has been under discussion and criticism due to layoffs and allegations of corruption. These discussions often resurface in media circles. Against this backdrop, Navidul Haque, the Managing Director of Nagorik TV, spoke openly to the Bangladesh Media Monitor about the current situation and future plans of the channel._x000D_ _x000D_ When asked about the announcement of layoffs for 30 people, with 13 already being dismissed, Navidul Haque explained that the revenue of the television industry in Bangladesh largely depends on advertising. However, the number of channels currently exceeds the advertising supply available. Furthermore, those of us who entered the market post-2015 are considered third-generation TV channels, while those that started earlier enjoy more advantages. Additionally, in recent years, various crises have emerged in the country. Though the Ukraine-Russia war did not have a direct impact on the country, an economic crisis started around the same time, affecting revenues across all industries._x000D_ _x000D_ Navidul Haque believes that the television industry has been hit the hardest by these economic challenges. He stated, “Some have seen their revenue drop by more than 30%, while others have experienced a decline of up to 50%.” According to him, first-generation TV channels have suffered the least, second-generation channels slightly more, and third-generation channels the most. Major advertisers in Bangladesh, such as Pran, Unilever, and telcos, have given more advertising to older channels, while many advertisers have shifted a large portion of their budget to digital platforms._x000D_ _x000D_ Navidul justified the layoffs over the last two years as a result of the ongoing business pressure. "We tried to reduce costs because of the pressure. This is a global business practice. Our group has many businesses, but our main business is garments. After the setbacks in 2022 and 2023, we decided at the beginning of 2024 that we had to cut costs at Nagorik TV. We noticed that 60-70% of Nagorik's expenses were on staff salaries, followed by program acquisition or production costs, and then fixed costs like rent, satellite fees, taxes, and VAT. We realized there was little room to cut fixed costs. We had already stopped buying programs and tried to produce them in-house. The final option was to reduce staff. If we broadcast 24/7, we need staff in three shifts, so we could reduce one or two shifts," he added._x000D_ _x000D_ He further explained, "We are a mixed channel, not a dedicated news channel. However, we need a lot of staff, including reporters and cameramen, for news. If we reduce news coverage, costs go down a bit. But we didn’t just cut staff from the news team; we reduced staff across all departments. If anyone claims that only journalists were laid off, it’s misinformation. Even drivers were let go, and they are not journalists."_x000D_ _x000D_ Regarding compensation for those laid off, Navidul said, "Since we are reducing staff to cut costs, we are providing due compensation according to Bangladeshi law and contractual agreements. As an owner, I have that right, don’t I? Besides the legal dues, my mother (Rubana Huq) is also giving money from her savings to every employee we let go, as we believe we are like a family. It is painful for us to see them leave. While most companies in Bangladesh do not pay what is due, we are giving extra from our savings."_x000D_ _x000D_ Responding to the recent announcement of mass layoffs by the channel’s program head, Kamruzzaman Babu, Navidul Haque said, "In a professional organization like ours, do you think Babu would make such an announcement, and we would let him? Just like any other organization, our HR department has individually explained the situation to each employee, issued letters, and informed them that we were considering downsizing. They were given checks and told that the rest of their dues, which need to be calculated, would be paid after a certain date. So, how does Babu come into the picture for making announcements? That’s not his responsibility."_x000D_ _x000D_ He also addressed the issue of enthusiasm and monitoring, saying, "Nobody is beyond enthusiasm. It is impossible for the owner to monitor every minute. For example, it is not possible for me to know right now if Babu is talking to five people in his office. I am in my office. If he scolds, praises, or does anything else, can I always monitor that?"_x000D_ _x000D_ When asked whether the corruption allegations against Babu were investigated, Navidul said, "Babu is the head of the program. His job is to produce or purchase programs. If programs are produced internally, there is less scope for embezzlement since the studio and materials are our own. However, if a drama or film is purchased, there is a possibility of foul play. Apart from this, Babu has no other responsibilities or duties. Since Nagorik is not our only business, all accounts are monitored from our head office. Since we haven’t bought programs for the last two years, Babu is being pushed to produce programs using the studio. There is no scope for financial misappropriation in this case."_x000D_ _x000D_ He added, "We do buy Bengali films. But from 2018 to date, the amount we spend on purchasing films each month has remained the same. We spend 1 million BDT per month on running Bengali films. We know these expenses, so there is no scope for corruption. However, given all the allegations, we are planning to buy some external content in the future but will change the procedure to prevent irregularities."_x000D_ _x000D_ Regarding rumors about the sale of Nagorik TV, the Managing Director clarified, "Nagorik TV is a business entity. Many such companies are sold worldwide. However, its value is determined by a certain valuation. Our investment in this organization is significant, but there hasn’t been any profit. How much profit is there in Bangladesh’s television channels? There has been a lot of investment. Various entities have expressed interest in buying, even now. However, we have a price in mind, and if we get that, we will discuss it. But it’s not like we have ever wanted to give it up."