For nearly four years, Dhaka Tribune has struggled to pay its employees properly, leaving its staff hostage to the Awami League-aligned journalist syndicate. Now, the organization faces a fresh crisis. Earlier this month, the company paid only half of July's salaries, sparking outrage among newsroom and non-news team members. Early last week, the disgruntled employees issued an ultimatum to the Tribune's owner, Gemcon Group, demanding the payment of outstanding dues along with other unmet commitments. Multiple staff members confirmed this development. The frustrated employees have threatened to go on strike if their demands are not met by December.  

In an attempt to calm tensions, Editor Zafar Sobhan, known for his repeated unfulfilled promises, has called for a special meeting this Sunday.  

Zafar Sobhan has faced allegations of nepotism and favoritism, including hiring and promoting journalists from Awami League-affiliated families and groups.  

Notably, among the journalists whose accreditations were revoked by the government on November 7 are senior journalist and special correspondent Nurul Islam Hasib and Ali Asif Shawon. Despite being known as polite and well-mannered, Hasib has been accused in at least one murder case between July and August. A presidium member of the Jubo League, Hasib reportedly maintained close ties with senior Awami League leadership.  

Chief Reporter Shawon is favored by several Awami League ministers and, alongside his job at Dhaka Tribune, owns an online news portal. Shawon has faced various allegations, including involvement with women and alcohol. He also served on the ruling Awami League’s election subcommittee for the controversial January 7 election and had similarly worked on previous national elections under the patronage of Ashraful Alam Khokon, Mohammad Ali Arafat, and Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury Mithu. A former member of the Awami League's student wing, Chhatra League, Shawon has publicly claimed close ties with student leaders Saddam and Inan, referring to them as his “younger brothers.”  

Shawon has also been accused of labeling Abu Sayeed a "Razakar" (a traitor) following the latter's death in a police shooting.  

Dhaka Tribune’s Business Editor, Esha Arora, is the daughter of Aroma Dutta, a reserved seat MP affiliated with the Awami League, while Deputy News Editor Ananda Mostafa is a former member of the Chhatra League from Jahangirnagar University.  

The recently departed Probir Kumar Sarkar was allegedly an agent for CRI (Center for Research and Information) and Kazi Anis, the publisher of Dhaka Tribune. Kazi Anis, a fugitive running a lobbying firm for Hasina, is a close friend of Editor Zafar Sobhan.  

This unfolding turmoil has left Dhaka Tribune employees questioning the organization's future amid rising concerns over editorial independence, financial mismanagement, and alleged political interference.