As part of a series of international conferences organized by The Future Forum, a press conference titled “Soft Power, Hard Abuse: The Media Mafia of Awami League” was held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital.
The event discussed a dangerous tool of the recently ousted Awami League government, namely “soft power,” which has not been widely covered in Bangladesh’s media. Speakers highlighted how the former government used “soft power” through allies, employing domestic and international platforms to legitimize a ruthless and undemocratic regime.
During the previous government’s tenure, substantial amounts were spent on controlling local media and implementing the Digital Security Act of 2018 (later renamed the Cyber Security Act), alongside promoting soft power narratives globally. This network extended beyond Bangladesh’s borders. Examples include hiring international political lobbyists, paying questionable members of the U.S. Congress, disseminating biased opinions, establishing the Center for Research and Information (CRI), taking over PEN Bangladesh, and misusing the Dhaka Lit Fest platform.
Such activities involved the spread of misinformation and false narratives, which were at times described as anti-Muslim, pro-Hindutva, and pro-Israel propaganda since 2015. Moreover, millions of dollars were reportedly paid to various individuals and organizations internationally without the permission of Bangladesh Bank, constituting money laundering under Bangladeshi law.
The press conference emphasized several critical issues. First, the effort to promote soft narratives in international media. A report by Netra News on September 26, 2024, revealed that Liberty South Asia, a lobbyist organization in Washington, D.C., was hired for the ousted Sheikh Hasina government, with payments routed through Green Perspective, a Dubai-based company registered as a seller of tea, coffee, and snacks.
Speakers referred to a recent report by The Sunday Times (UK), stating that Sheikh Hasina, during her authoritarian rule, hired a British barrister to act against journalists. Additionally, Sajeeb Wazed Joy funded Strike Global Diplomacy (SGD), and the Awami League’s former principal secretary, Ahmad Kaikaus, financed Moran Global Strategies (MGS) to execute international propaganda campaigns.
CRI, a propaganda organization led by Sheikh Hasina’s nephew, was instrumental in influencing local and international platforms. Examples include misuse of the Dhaka Lit Fest panel, occupying PEN Bangladesh without proper elections, and influencing media narratives with the help of local journalists.
The discussion also touched on legal harassment faced by Ahsan Akbar, a former business partner of the Gemcon Group, in the UK between March 2024 and January 16, 2025. Speakers revealed that Gemcon Group had over 1,000 crores in local loans and had not cleared pending dues to former employees of its newspaper, Dhaka Tribune.
Allegations also surfaced about mafia-style threats of using RAB to intimidate Ahsan Akbar and his family. The event further discussed claims of money laundering by the group, which the accused organization has reportedly acknowledged. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is currently investigating these claims, as detailed in an October 10, 2024 report by The Daily Star. Also, Director of Gemcon Group, Kazi Anis Ahmed’s public and semi-private statements during July Revolution were mostly controversial. Similarly, his brother and ex MP, Kazi Nabil Ahmed organized a rally calling the protestors “terrorists” on 4 August 2024 during the July Revolution.
A recent student protest at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) was also highlighted. Students opposing the corrupt trustee board members of the Gemcon Group, who supported fascist governance, were labeled as “terrorists” of the “July Revolution.” The role of suspended Vice-Chancellor Imran Rahman, who actively supported the board, was also discussed.
Poet and Dhaka Lit Fest founder Ahsan Akbar, senior journalist and political analyst Ashraf Kaiser, and others were present at the event. They emphasized the need for transparency and justice in every case.