Ahmed Mushfiq Nazneen, National Desk In-Charge of Ekushey Television (ETV), has become a source of anxiety for her colleagues. Despite being a member of the executive committee of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), Nazneen has faced accusations of persistent mistreatment and exploitation of her fellow staff members, including reporters. Recently, those affected by her alleged authoritarian behavior have spoken out.

Accusations against Nazneen include her inability to competently review news scripts and a lack of understanding of field reporting, often putting reporters in difficult situations. Examples include instructing correspondents to go live from morgues and demanding they return to the field immediately after completing assignments in remote areas, sometimes over 70 kilometers away. Refusal or failure to meet her unreasonable demands reportedly resulted in threats of job termination and verbal abuse over the phone. Nazneen has also been accused of favoring political affiliations, with her critics labeling her as an "Awami-leaning journalist."

Nazneen joined ETV in 2009 and, despite several management changes up to 2024, her position only grew stronger. Colleagues allege that she established a powerful syndicate by exploiting connections with top executives across different regimes, from Salam and S Alam to Bulbul and Rashid Chowdhury. Her behind-the-scenes maneuvering earned her the nickname “Sardarnī” (leader) among staff.

Nazneen is accused of facilitating unethical practices, including arranging private meetings between senior executives and female colleagues to gain favor. Allegations further suggest she exploited those involved by later blackmailing them to secure her interests. Until August 4, 2024, no recruitments or prime news presenter assignments reportedly occurred without her explicit approval.

Former ETV Head of News Rashid Chowdhury and Director Robiul Hasan Ovi are alleged to have been influenced by private gatherings orchestrated by Nazneen, involving alcohol and other questionable activities at her residence. This reportedly allowed her to establish unchecked authority within the organization. She allegedly used female colleagues, including presenters and reporters, for personal gains, ensuring their dominance in news and programming.

Nazneen is further accused of creating a syndicate of reporters in key beats, such as the Secretariat and the Prime Minister's Office, to manage her operations and maintain control over the reporting team.

Nazneen allegedly assumed control over all purchases for the news division, frequently initiating unnecessary expenditures. Reporters claim she demanded monetary contributions from district correspondents under various pretexts, threatening to block their stories if they failed to comply. Many senior district reporters reportedly lost their jobs due to her actions. A district correspondent told Bangladesh Media Monitor that Nazneen relied on loyal associates to coerce local journalists into providing gifts and other forms of support.

In addition, she is accused of organizing district trips with groups of close associates, where local correspondents were forced to bear all expenses, including accommodation and traditional gifts.

For years, staff feared retaliation for speaking out, but recent developments have emboldened them. District correspondents have submitted a detailed two-page complaint to ETV's returning chairman, Abdus Salam, outlining Nazneen's alleged corruption and abuse of power. They are optimistic that the new management will take swift action to protect Bangladesh's first terrestrial television channel from further harm.

The allegations against Ahmed Mushfiq Nazneen raise serious concerns about workplace ethics and organizational integrity within ETV. Staff members are hopeful that the new leadership will address these issues and restore a fair and professional working environment.