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CNE Zahid’s Unprofessionalism: The Dark Chapter of SA TV’s Downfall

Once a popular television network, SA TV's reputation and viewership have rapidly declined. At the center of this downfall is the channel’s Chief News Editor (CNE), Zahidur Rahman Khan. According to current and former colleagues, his political influence, corruption, ghostwriting, controversial guest selections, and ethical breaches have severely questioned the future of the channel. This report highlights how these actions have driven SA TV towards destruction._x000D_ _x000D_ Zahidur Rahman Khan used his position as the PS of Sheikh Selim to engage in political committee nominations and lobbying for police postings and government tenders. He’s been accused of using talk shows as a propaganda tool for the Awami League government, promoting their interests in exchange for favors. He allegedly engaged in financial transactions to bring in controversial and unqualified guests, raising questions about the professionalism of the channel._x000D_ _x000D_ In just one year, Zahid was promoted three times, rising from Assistant News Editor to Chief News Editor. Reports suggest that his promotions were influenced by DGFI officers and pressure exerted on SA TV owner Salauddin Ahmed via a phone call from Sheikh Selim. Though there were two attempts to terminate him, political pressure prevented any action. These rapid promotions and involvement of political figures created internal chaos within the channel._x000D_ _x000D_ Zahidur Rahman Khan didn’t stop at political manipulation. He reportedly engaged in financial dealings with talk show guests, bringing in controversial figures in exchange for money. As a result, the channel's viewership began to decline, and questions were raised regarding the quality of the talk shows._x000D_ _x000D_ In 2019, Zahid played a key role in inciting journalists against then Head of News, Mahmud Faisal. Due to Faisal’s mismanagement, Zahid easily provoked other staff to start protests against Faisal and SA TV management. This led to the physical assault on Faisal and his removal from the premises, along with the MD being held captive for 17 hours. During this chaos, Zahid had planned to take full control of the station. He attempted to shut down the channel with the help of DGFI, but ultimately failed._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ Upon further investigation, a close source of SA TV owner Salauddin Ahmed revealed that at the time, journalist leaders Shaban Mahmud and Abu Zafar Surjo were paid 5 million BDT to suppress the protests. Meanwhile, Zahid maintained favorable relations with the protesters, intelligence agencies, and the management, allowing him to keep his position safe._x000D_ _x000D_ There are also allegations that Zahidur Rahman Khan took money from various individuals and businesses without delivering on promises and refused to return the funds. Those who pursued the issue were reportedly harassed by police, thanks to his influence through Sheikh Selim. While Zahid tries to conceal his wealth, there are claims that his wife and sister-in-law own several businesses and luxury vehicles._x000D_ _x000D_ Despite attempts to contact Zahidur Rahman Khan for comments on these allegations, no response was received._x000D_ _x000D_ It is clear that the downfall of SA TV has been significantly influenced by the actions of its Chief News Editor, Zahidur Rahman Khan. His abuse of political power, financial misconduct, and disregard for the channel’s professional standards have led to a severe decline in its popularity. SA TV is now facing a crisis, and Zahid’s corruption and ethical failures are at the core of this collapse.
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