Syndicate Dominates BTV: Billions Embezzled and Recruitment Manipulated

Bangladesh Television (BTV) is currently in a state of instability due to deep-rooted corruption, irregularities, and syndicate control. According to sources, officials holding key positions at BTV have been involved in embezzling billions of takas, manipulating recruitment and transfers, committing tender fraud, and misappropriating funds through a syndicate for the past 14 years. The main figures in these activities are BTV’s Director (Finance) Mohammad Zahirul Islam Mia, Director (Planning & Program) Mohammad Azgar Ali, and Assistant Director Nazim Uddin.

According to allegations, syndicate leader Azgar Ali wields complete administrative power at the television station, ignoring the 78-year-old DG and other officials. He has been unlawfully holding key positions at BTV for a long period. Starting his career in 2013 as a Controller, he quickly became Sales Manager and was promoted to Director (Planning) on August 2, 2025. Allegedly, his university friend and Additional Secretary Ibrahim Mini played a key role in this unlawful promotion.

The name of Nur Anwar Hossain Ranjoo is linked to some of the most high-profile corruption cases at BTV. Acting under instructions from former Information Minister Hasan Mahmud, he allegedly embezzled billions of takas. In March 2024, 14 BTV officials filed written complaints against him, but no effective action was taken. Other members of the syndicate—Zahirul Islam Mia, Azgar Ali, and Nazim Uddin—have allegedly destabilized the television to cover up his irregularities.

Particularly notable is the alleged corruption regarding the broadcast rights of the FIFA World Cup in Russia. Although international rules stipulated that it should have been broadcast free of charge, Director (Finance) Zahirul Islam Mia reportedly orchestrated a scheme through the syndicate, spending 1,800 crore takas on “Khelay Joy” and embezzling the funds. Such corruption not only has financial consequences but also undermines the transparency and credibility of the government-run media.

The syndicate’s influence is also visible in BTV’s recruitment process. Allegedly, bribes of 1.5–2.5 million takas were taken per recruit. Members of the syndicate—Zahirul Islam Mia, Azgar Ali, and Additional Secretary Ibrahim—use their university connections to influence tender committees and recruitment boards regularly. Through recruitment, promotions, transfers, and financial transactions, they conceal illegal activities under the guise of legitimacy.

Corruption in projects such as the “Nationwide Digital Terrestrial Broadcast Implementation (Phase 1)” and “BTV Central Broadcast System Modernization, Digitalization & Automation,” amounting to nearly 100 crore takas, has already drawn the attention of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Allegations indicate that tenders were awarded to unqualified companies based on commissions, bypassing eligible institutions.

Despite internal audits and evidence of embezzlement in finance, programs, and projects, no effective investigation or administrative action has been taken. Other BTV officials reportedly spend their days in fear. The syndicate’s activities have endangered transparency, administrative regulations, and public trust in the government media.

There have been calls for a high-level investigation by the ministry. Attempts to obtain comments from the concerned officials have been unsuccessful, as they have repeatedly refused to respond.

Source: Daily Dhaka Pratidin

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