The clandestine route colloquially dubbed the “Mexico Route,” infamous for facilitating unlawful entry into the United States and Canada, now has an unsettling counterpart in the operations of Bangladesh private broadcasting channel Somoy TV. This prominent Bangladeshi news outlet has allegedly become an unwitting conduit for journalists seeking illicit relocation abroad.

Annually, a contingent of journalists travels to the United States to cover the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), yet a disconcerting number fail to repatriate, exploiting these assignments as a means to abscond. Somoy TV had previously managed to remain above such reproach, typically delegating its U.S. correspondent, Hasanuzzaman Saki, to cover these high-profile events. This year, however, the station’s decision to dispatch three additional journalists from its Dhaka headquarters has raised serious suspicions within media circles.

A meticulous review of Somoy TV’s UNGA reportage reveals that the lion’s share of live broadcasts was delivered by Hasanuzzaman Saki, supplemented by contributions from Ahmed Salehin. Conspicuously absent from the coverage were any reports by Mohammad Rasheduzzaman (alias Rashed Bappi) and Nubaiya Tajrin (alias Tajrin Rika), who had also journeyed to New York for the assembly.

Confidential sources within Somoy TV have indicated that Bappi and Rika, a married couple, are now widely presumed to have exploited their assignments as a pretext for permanent resettlement in the United States.

An anonymous official lamented, “Since the 5th of September, there has been a palpable tension within the office. They seized upon this distraction to effectuate their departure. Although all their travel documentation was furnished by the office, we are now ensnared in a web of complications. The office has been endeavoring to contact them, imploring their return, as their dereliction could jeopardize several senior officials.”

The official further elucidated that those responsible for issuing the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were likely complicit, aware of the couple’s intention to flee—a fact that has since permeated the entire organization. Furthermore, it has been suggested that if their endeavors in the U.S. prove unfruitful, they have pledged to return and resume their roles at Somoy TV. Another Bangladeshi journalist, Rashed Limon, currently on leave in Canada, is similarly suspected of attempting to secure permanent residency, with parallel assurances of return should his plans falter.

Photo: (Bangladeshi journalists in UNGA, From right side Nubaiya Tajrin Somoy TV reporter, Mohammad Rasheduzzaman Somoy TV reporter, Ehsan Jewel former Ekattor TV reporter,Tahia Rubaiyat Apala former Somoy TV reporter, Mahmud Rakib former Somoy TV & Present Ekhon TV reporter; Collected)

Contrary to conjecture, another source confirmed that Somoy TV did not underwrite any portion of the journalists’ expenses. Their journey was self-financed, and there was ostensibly no operational imperative for their presence at the UNGA, as Saki was fully equipped to manage the coverage independently. This underscores the likelihood that their motivations were personal rather than professional.

An investigation conducted stateside uncovered two incriminating photographs, both featuring the notorious figure Mahmud Rakib, a man notorious for his illicit wealth. In one image, Rakib is pictured alongside Rashed Bappi and Tajrin Rika, both donning assembly accreditation badges. Also present in the photograph were Ehsan Jewel, a former reporter for Ekattor TV facing rape allegations, and his second wife, Tahia Rubaiyat Opola, who stands accused of attempting to murder Jewel’s first wife. Both Jewel and Opola have reportedly been resettled in the U.S. by TBN24, an American online Bangla news outlet.

In another photograph, Rakib is seen with Ahmed Salehin and Rafiqul Islam Shanto, the editor of Tarun Kantho and brother of a close associate of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Shanto, who had previously been twice denied a U.S. visa, was inexplicably granted one this time. Nonetheless, senior journalists have expressed skepticism regarding his return.

Sources allege that Rakib plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the illegal resettlement of individuals in the U.S., either through altruistic motives or in exchange for exorbitant fees. This could explain his frequent international travel, often accompanied by his family.

Two separate sources corroborated that Rakib and Rashed Bappi had solicited their assistance in securing permanent residency and exploring entrepreneurial or employment opportunities in the U.S.

When approached for comment, Ahmed Salehin defended the presence of multiple journalists at the UNGA, stating, “It is entirely logical for several journalists to attend such a momentous event like the UN General Assembly. Moreover, Somoy TV has consistently been at the forefront of news coverage, ensuring we are the first to deliver comprehensive reports. This year is no exception.”

Salehin declined to discuss the personal expenses of the trip, stating, “It would be inappropriate to delve into personal or corporate matters. We adhere strictly to procedures, including obtaining necessary NOCs and assignments from the office. In this case, I am merely fulfilling my professional duties.”

Efforts to reach Rashed Bappi were unavailing; although he viewed a WhatsApp message, he chose not to respond.

The decision to issue NOCs to these journalists, despite apparent foreknowledge of their intentions, points to a significant lapse in institutional integrity. Should these individuals fail to return, the repercussions could reverberate across the entire Bangladeshi media landscape. Media analysts caution that enabling such escapes could be construed as a criminal conspiracy.

Source: Bangladesh media monitor