Women journos seek action against Alamgir
A major controversy has erupted within Bangladesh’s journalistic community following a series of allegations against Khondokar Alamgir Hossain, treasurer of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), involving sexual misconduct, extortion, abuse of influence, and unexplained wealth accumulation.
On Monday (25 May), a demonstration and human chain was organised in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka under the banner of Nari Sangbadik Oikya (Women Journalists’ Unity). Protesters demanded Alamgir’s immediate expulsion from journalist organisations, alleging that his conduct has severely tarnished the reputation of the profession.
The protests followed the circulation on social media of videos and allegations linked to Alamgir’s alleged relationships with multiple women. One complainant has accused him of sexually exploiting her over a prolonged period under the pretext of marriage and promises to resolve her personal difficulties. Images and related information connected to the allegations have spread widely across social and professional networks.
In response to the controversy, National Press Club (NPC) General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan announced that Alamgir had been expelled from the Press Club under Article 13(Ka) of its constitution.
Separately, DUJ Acting General Secretary Didarul Alam Didar confirmed in an official notice that Alamgir’s membership had been suspended under Articles 6(Ga), 6(2), and 6(3) of the union’s constitution on grounds of conduct deemed harmful to the organisation’s discipline, moral standing, and reputation.
The notice further stated that Alamgir had been given three days to explain why his membership should not be permanently revoked.
According to allegations circulating within journalistic circles, several videos involving Alamgir and different women recently went viral online.
One video, reportedly recorded on 8 October 2025, allegedly showed a woman being filmed in a compromising situation without her knowledge. Critics claim Alamgir used promises of marriage, personal influence, and his organisational position to exploit women over an extended period.
Questions have also emerged regarding his financial activities and professional credentials. Critics allege that despite having no visible affiliation with any mainstream media organisation for more than a decade, Alamgir amassed considerable wealth following the political transition of 5 August. Local sources in Narayanganj claim he recently oversaw construction of a 10-storey building on five kathas of land adjacent to the “Alamer Pacha Saban” factory near Mouchak Bus Stand in Siddhirganj.
The rapid growth of his assets has prompted calls from local representatives and members of the journalism community for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the source of his income and any alleged illicit wealth.
Speaking at Monday’s demonstration, Women Journalists’ Unity Convener Ayesha Siddika and Member Secretary Jesmin Jui strongly condemned the allegations and warned of further action if decisive measures were not taken.
Jesmin Jui stated that when “an individual widely accused of misconduct and extortion identifies himself as a leader of respected organisations such as the National Press Club or the Dhaka Union of Journalists, women journalists feel deeply unsafe in their workplaces. This has damaged the dignity and credibility of journalism.”
The organisers warned that if Alamgir is not permanently removed from the organisations and strict disciplinary measures are not enforced, the leadership of both the DUJ and the Press Club would face growing scrutiny. They also announced plans to support legal action, including cases relating to alleged rape and extortion.
Further allegations suggest that Alamgir secured his influential position within the DUJ through political connections and lobbying despite lacking sustained involvement in professional journalism over the past decade. Critics claim that, under the patronage of certain influential quarters, an “unprofessional clique” has emerged within sections of the media landscape.
According to speakers at the protest, the group has allegedly used journalistic identity as a cover for various forms of corruption, including exerting pressure on media houses, threatening journalists with dismissal by branding them “fascist collaborators”, intimidating media owners, and engaging in extortion and blackmail.
The human chain drew participation from journalists, photographers, and camera operators representing national newspapers, television channels, and online news platforms from across the country.
Protesters stated that dismantling what they described as a corrupt network within journalist organisations has become essential to restoring public confidence and professional integrity in Bangladesh’s media sector.
