Private television station Channel One has alleged that its Facebook page and other digital platforms have come under continuous cyber-attacks following the broadcast of an investigative report concerning Mir Shahe Alam, the state minister for Local Government.
The broadcaster claimed that since the report’s release, it has faced fraudulent copyright claims, organised reporting by bot accounts, and attempts to disrupt its social media presence.
In a press release issued on Saturday, Channel One stated that an investigative piece titled “State minister for local government’s business with the government breaking ethics; contracting in three ministries” was aired during the “One Bulletin” at 7pm on 17 July.
The report provided data regarding Shahe Alam’s involvement in contracting work across various government institutions.
It further alleged that projects within his own ministry were executed through his contracting firm and that he had secured government contracts worth approximately Tk40 crore after assuming office.
The report included opinions from legal experts who described these actions as violations of the constitution and established policies.
Channel One Editor-in-Chief Nazmul Ashraf told the media that the digital attacks began immediately after the broadcast and are still ongoing. He added that there have also been attempts to hack the channel’s Instagram account.
According to the press release, two Facebook pages – “Anandabarta” and “Ali Khan” – filed fake copyright claims, resulting in the investigative report being blocked on digital platforms. Channel One described the act of a third-party claiming copyright over its original investigative content as highly unusual and indicative of an organised conspiracy.
The broadcaster’s internal investigation found that, alongside fake copyright claims, there were coordinated efforts to remove news posts and photocards.
Bot accounts were reportedly used throughout the night to report the channel’s content, specifically targeting any new posts related to State Minister Mir Shahe Alam.
Strikes were also issued against the Facebook page’s profile and cover photos in an apparent attempt to have the page permanently disabled. Furthermore, a news report regarding these cyber attacks was removed from Facebook on Saturday afternoon.
Channel One maintained that the report on the state minister’s business interests was prepared in strict accordance with journalistic ethics and professional standards.
The broadcaster pointed out, “If anyone has any statement or objection regarding the report, there is an opportunity to protest through formal channels. But instead of following that path, attempts are being made to stifle the media’s voice through cyber-attacks.”
Condemning these actions as “cowardly,” Channel One authorities confirmed they are taking necessary steps to restore full control of their Facebook page and identify the source of the attacks.
Channel One returned to the air on 27 April this year after being off-air for nearly 16 years. Its broadcast had previously been suspended on 27 April 2010, when the then government, through the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), cancelled its frequency allocation.
