While investigating the funding sources of the "swadhinota sangbadik Forum," we stumbled upon a larger conspiracy, much like finding a snake while digging for worms. Our research initially led us to believe that the funding came from Padma Bank, owned by Chowdhury Nafiz Sarafat. Digging deeper, we discovered a connection to retired military officer Major Afizur Rahman._x000D_ _x000D_ Major Afizur Rahman, a cunning military intelligence officer, was responsible for controlling Bangladesh's media. For more than eight years, until his early retirement on September 4, 2022, he manipulated the country's media to serve the government’s interests._x000D_ _x000D_ To understand Major Afizur's methods, we reached out to senior journalists who were familiar with his tactics. Major Afizur Rahman, who transferred from the education corps to military intelligence, primarily directed media outlets over the phone, dictating news coverage. He also managed several Facebook pages and groups, including one named "Amar Netri, Amar Ahonkar" (My Leader, My Pride). Journalists confirmed this page existed, but it has since been deleted from Facebook. He used this page to promote pro-government news. If any channel offered copyright to that page, he would pressure senior journalists or those covering the Prime Minister’s beat to withdraw their support. This practice extended to all pages, including the official page of the Awami League._x000D_ _x000D_ Major Afizur began to manipulate elections within journalist organizations. Allegations of his interference surfaced in at least ten elections, including those at the National Press Club and the Dhaka Reporters Unity. One candidate anonymously alleged that his campaigners were threatened by DGFI personnel while campaigning in Karwan Bazar. Accusations against him included manipulating election results, intimidating candidates, and using coercive tactics to sway outcomes._x000D_ _x000D_ Major Afizur was also accused of suppressing journalist movements and, at times, exploiting these movements for promotions and other benefits. One prominent example of his involvement is the agitation at SA TV. Additionally, several journalist leaders allegedly received financial benefits from him._x000D_ _x000D_ He maintained a firm grip on pro-Awami League journalists as well, which sparked resentment among senior journalists aligned with the ruling party. To ease this discontent, he was transferred to Ghatail Cantonment Public School and College in 2022 after over eight years. However, unable to abandon his "love for the media," he opted for early retirement and launched a new mission in the media sector._x000D_ _x000D_ Afizur joined Nafiz Sarafat's NewsBangla and Dainik Bangla as the executive director, where he advised Nafiz on how to launder money through media manipulation. It was under his guidance that Nafiz took over Citizen TV. Plans were also drawn up to establish the "swadhinota sangbadik Forum." This explains why Kazi Khairul Alam, Joint General Secretary of the Dhaka Journalists Union, was using funds from Padma Bank to support the organization. Another ally of Afizur in this initiative was Manik Lal Ghosh, Vice President of the Dhaka Journalists Union._x000D_ _x000D_ After concluding his mission there, Afizur moved to the Globe Janakantha Shilpa Paribar, where he became the key decision-maker in its media division. Although he rarely showed his face, many understood his influence behind the scenes. As an example, an employee of the organization mentioned that recently, he repeatedly blocked the publication of several news stories about Hasina._x000D_ _x000D_ Afizur often claims to be a researcher of Bangabandhu, but no one knows where or how he conducts his research. This propaganda officer for the Awami League and the military was regularly seen at government party programs both domestically and internationally._x000D_ _x000D_ Moreover, ahead of the controversial January 7, 2024, elections, 1.5 billion taka was reportedly allocated by the government and the Awami League for senior journalists as part of the election campaign. The military secretary, Major General Kabir Ahmed, was in charge of this operation. Initially, Major Afizur Rahman was tasked with reaching out to journalists, but this authority was later transferred to Farzana Rupa and Shakil, a topic we will cover in another episode.