The path used for illegal entry into America and Canada is often referred to as the 'Mexico Route.' Similarly, Somoy TV has turned into this 'Mexico Route' for its journalists. The station is being used by several journalists attempting to escape abroad illegally._x000D_ _x000D_ Every year, many journalists travel to the United States to cover the United Nations General Assembly, and a portion of them never return. This has been an ongoing issue for a long time. Somoy TV was somewhat different in this regard. Typically, these programs were covered by their U.S. correspondent, Hasanuzzaman Saki. However, this time the station sent three journalists from Dhaka as well._x000D_ _x000D_ To understand why the station suddenly became serious about this assembly, we took a closer look at their news reports. We found that most of the live reports were given by U.S. correspondent Hasanuzzaman Saki. Additionally, Ahmed Salehin was seen delivering reports as well. However, there was no news coverage from two other journalists, Mohammad Rasheduzzaman, aka Rashed Bappi, and Nubaiya Tajrin, aka Tajrin Rika, who had traveled to the assembly._x000D_ _x000D_ We contacted several journalists and officials from Somoy TV regarding this matter. None of them were willing to give an official statement to Bangladesh Media Monitor, but some shared information on condition of anonymity. One official confirmed that Rashed Bappi and Tajrin Rika are husband and wife. It is now widely believed within the office that they have gone to the U.S. to escape and will not return._x000D_ _x000D_ Another official commented, "What can we do? Since the 5th, there has been a tense situation in the office. They took advantage of this and left. Although all their paperwork was provided by the office, we are now in trouble. The office is calling them and requesting their return, as their escape could put several senior officials in jeopardy."_x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ When asked why this would cause trouble, the official explained that those who issued the NOCs (No Objection Certificates) were aware that the pair intended to flee, and now the entire office knows. Moreover, if they cannot establish themselves in the U.S., they have promised to return and resume their jobs. Another individual, Rashed Limon, is also on leave in Canada and is attempting to stay there permanently. He too has assured seniors that if things don’t work out, he will return and rejoin Somoy TV._x000D_ _x000D_ When asked whether the expenses of the three journalists' trip were covered by the company, another official confirmed that the office did not bear any costs. They went at their own expense. In fact, there was no need for the office to send anyone to cover the event, as the U.S. correspondent was fully capable of handling it. So, it’s clear that they went for their personal reasons, not for the office._x000D_ _x000D_ We then began our investigation in the U.S. We found two separate photos. The common figure in both was Mahmud Rakib, a corrupt individual with significant illegal wealth. In one picture, Mahmud Rakib was seen with Rashed Bappi and Tajrin Rika, both wearing accreditation cards for the assembly. The photo also included Ehsan Jewel, a former reporter of Ekattor TV who fled the country after being accused of rape, and his second wife, Tahia Rubaiyat Opola, who faces accusations of attempting to murder Jewel’s first wife. Both have been rehabilitated in the U.S. by TBN24, a U.S.-based online Bangla news outlet._x000D_ _x000D_ In another photo, Mahmud Rakib is seen with Ahmed Salehin, alongside Rafiqul Islam Shanto, the editor of a newspaper called Tarun Kantho and the brother of a close associate of Sheikh Hasina. Shanto, who had previously been denied a visa twice, managed to secure one this time. However, senior journalists have raised questions about whether he will return._x000D_ _x000D_ In both photos, the common figure is the highly corrupt Mahmud Rakib. Our sources indicate that Rakib is responsible for settling these 'illegal workers' in the U.S., either out of goodwill or for large sums of money. This is why he frequently travels abroad, either alone or with his family._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ We also spoke to two individuals who confirmed that both Rakib and Rashed Bappi had contacted them for help in securing a stay and exploring business or job opportunities in the U.S._x000D_ _x000D_ We reached out to Ahmed Salehin for comments. When asked why multiple journalists had gone, he responded, “It’s only natural that multiple journalists would come to cover such a large event like the UN General Assembly. More importantly, Somoy TV remains the leading station in covering news and being the first to deliver it. The office has always made the right decisions by giving importance to such events, and this time is no different.”_x000D_ _x000D_ When asked about their personal expenses, Salehin said, “It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to discuss personal or office matters. We don’t go anywhere without NOCs and assignments from the office, and here too, I’m fulfilling my assignment.”_x000D_ _x000D_ Similarly, we tried to contact Rashed Bappi. We sent him a message on WhatsApp, and though he saw the message, he did not respond._x000D_ _x000D_ In the meantime, it is clear that despite knowing all this, the office still issued NOCs to these individuals, which shows that the institution failed to maintain its professionalism. If these individuals don’t return, this could affect all media outlets in Bangladesh in the future. Many media experts believe that allowing such escapes is a criminal offense.