Journalist Shaban Mahmud Breaks Down in Tears on Talk Show — But Why?

Journalist Shaban Mahmud recently broke down in tears during the talk show Gonotontro’r Jonno Songlap, where he raised allegations of repression against journalists working in the country’s media. The program was hosted by Khandakar Ismail.

During the discussion, Mahmud shared his experience of living alone in the United States for many years and spoke about what he described as increasing pressure and harassment faced by journalists in recent times.

“These journalists have been unjustly imprisoned. Murder charges, harassment cases and various false allegations have been filed against them,” Mahmud said during the program. “Their families are going through immense hardship. For the past 18 months they have been living through a painful situation. A dark time has descended on the lives of many journalists.”

He said many journalists who had worked in the media while advocating for democracy and the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War are now separated from their families and unable to see their children.

“Their personal lives, education and family stability have been deeply affected,” he said, adding that family bonds are gradually weakening as a result of the situation.

Mahmud also claimed that many journalists who lost their jobs are struggling to support their families. According to him, the education of some family members has been disrupted and several households have fallen into unexpected financial hardship.

He further alleged that in the 55 years since the country’s independence, such repression and injustice against the media had not been witnessed before. He said journalists’ freedom of expression is being suppressed and that some press clubs, union offices and workplaces have been locked, leaving journalists isolated.

Calling on the government, Mahmud urged authorities to restore media freedom and ensure the safety of journalists. He also demanded employment opportunities for journalists who lost their jobs and called for relief for those facing what he described as false cases.

During the talk show, he mentioned several journalists whom he said had faced imprisonment and persecution, including Shyamal Dutta, editor of Bhorer Kagoj, Mozammel Babu, journalist couple Shakil Ahmed and Farzana Rupa, and senior journalist Anis Alamgir. According to Mahmud, nearly fifty journalists across the country have faced similar situations.

However, Mahmud also faced criticism from some social media users for not commenting on the July massacre during the talk show. Many netizens expressed their reactions and criticism in online comment sections.

According to available information, Shaban Mahmud spent many years living alone in the United States. His family members are currently residing there as well.