TariqQartt Leaverwright: Outwardly appearing simple, but reportedly complicated in behavior and actions—this is the accusation against a journalist who was employed as an editorial assistant at 'Dainik Janakantha'. His appointment was recommended to the newspaper's authorities by the well-known dramatist Ramendu Majumdar. He did not just stop at his own recommendation but also asked two others to do the same. One of the people, who wishes to remain anonymous, confirmed this to the Bangladesh Media Monitor. The person further alleged that, in fact, Ramendu Dada (brother Ramendu) is known to be affiliated with a certain Indian intelligence agency, a fact he never tried to hide from us. "We had no choice but to listen to him," he added._x000D_ _x000D_ The journalist who benefited from Ramendu Majumdar’s “favor” is Sirajul Ehsan, who currently works as an assistant editor at the newly established newspaper 'Dainik Rupali Bangladesh'. Before this, he worked at 'Dainik Bangla', owned by Nafis Sharafat, the alleged money launderer from Padma Bank, where he held the position of editorial assistant. Ramendu Majumdar had also recommended him for that job._x000D_ _x000D_ Sirajul Ehsan was also involved in various activities during "Mujib Borsho" (Mujib Year). The extent of financial misappropriation during Mujib Year is well-known. This journalist has also worked on various projects at BTV (Bangladesh Television), always backed by his “Ramendu Dada.”_x000D_ _x000D_ Another such individual is Anil Sen, currently working as a news editor at 'Rupali Bangladesh'. Behind his employment in this newspaper is the former general secretary of the Press Club and editor of 'Dainik Bhorer Kagoj', Shyamal Dutta. Shyamal Dutta has also been accused of gathering and passing information on behalf of Indian intelligence. Several sources, preferring anonymity, have also claimed that Anil Sen himself is associated with an Indian agency._x000D_ _x000D_ Before joining Dainik Rupali Bangladesh, Anil worked for two years as a news editor at Dainik Bhorer Akash. Allegations suggest that the editor who hired him could not align with Anil’s "Indian agenda" and subsequently resigned. Anil then brought in Ekushey Padak-winning musician Manoranjan Ghoshal as the editor. Ghoshal has also been accused of working for an Indian agency._x000D_ _x000D_ A journalist, who wished to remain anonymous, said that speaking out against these individuals is highly risky. "Everyone in Dhaka's media circles knows them to be affiliated with Indian intelligence, yet they still hold their positions," he said._x000D_ _x000D_ On August 5, following the fall of the Awami government, Manoranjan Ghoshal left 'Dainik Bhorer Akash'. Before leaving, he brought in a journalist named Shipankar Shil, who is said to be his foster son. Shipankar is currently working in the secretariat beat of 'Dainik Bhorer Akash'. However, colleagues have claimed that he lacks the ability to write a coherent report. His peers have echoed similar sentiments._x000D_ _x000D_ Shipankar is a member of the Awami League's Youth and Sports subcommittee. He is also supported by Kalbela’s editor, Shantosh Sharma, who is accused of following instructions from Indian agencies. There are even audio recordings and photos linking Sharma to Indian interests._x000D_ _x000D_ Until 10 days ago, Rajan Bhattacharya was also a senior journalist at Kalbela. He has been accused of spreading rumors and damaging communal harmony, as reported by the Bangladesh Media Monitor. Before joining Kalbela, Rajan was at Dainik Bhorer Akash, where he was brought in by Anil Sen. Prior to that, he worked at Dainik Janakantha. Since September, Rajan Bhattacharya has started a new mission in another media outlet. Above him is journalist Ashish Kumar De, who worked as a special correspondent at Dainik Bhorer Akash and is also the general secretary of the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads, and Railways._x000D_ _x000D_ Additionally, Rajan has been accused of taking monthly payments from transport leaders of the Jatiya Party. Rajan Bhattacharya is also a member of the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads, and Railways._x000D_ _x000D_ Meanwhile, Sirajul Ehsan, Anil Sen, Shipankar Shil, and Rajan Bhattacharya—all reportedly worked in the Press Club elections on behalf of Shyamal Dutta under instructions from the Indian agency. They allegedly received financial benefits from both Shyamal Dutta and the Indian agency. With their support, Shyamal Dutta was elected as the general secretary of the Press Club._x000D_ _x000D_ This forms an unwritten yet visible chain, with an Indian agency at its root. Media affiliations change, but the individuals and their activities remain consistent. Figures like Sirajul Ehsan, Anil Sen, Rajan Bhattacharya, Shipankar Shil, and Ashish Kumar De continue to move between various media outlets._x000D_ _x000D_ Many of these individuals have found a new base at *Dainik Rupali Bangladesh*, part of a group known as "Bhaya Group." Allegations suggest that this newspaper is run with intelligence funding. Our investigation into this matter led us to the guest list for its launch event. The newspaper was inaugurated on December 25, 2023, and the attendees included Brigadier General Abul Hasnat Md. Kamruzzaman, Director of Media Wing, DGFI; Senior Additional Director (Media Wing) of DGFI, Obaidur Rahman; Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) spokesperson and Director of Legal and Media Wing, Commander Khandaker Al Moin; Additional DIG of Tourist Police, Moniruzzaman Tuku; Additional DIG of SB (Immigration, Land, and Sea), Ashikul Haque Bhuiyan; Additional DIG of CID (Cyber and Crime Monitoring Cell), Md. Rezaul Masud; Additional DIG of Highway Police, Shyamal Kumar Mukherjee; and Additional SP of Tourist Police, Nadia Farzana._x000D_ _x000D_ In our search for the financial sources behind this entire chain, the name of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) came up. The journalists reportedly used ADB’s references to gain government positions, transfers, and contracts, accumulating both wealth and power. Funding reportedly came through the hand of ADB's former Country Director, Manmohan Parkash, with the support of another individual and a high commission. More details on this will be covered in a separate report.