Sharun Chowdhury: Victim of False News by Daily Sun and Banglanews
In a recent development, media outlets, including the Daily Sun and Banglanews24, have come under scrutiny for allegedly disseminating false and fabricated news targeting Sharun Chowdhury and his family. This controversy has arisen amidst claims of a personal rivalry between Nazmul Karim Sharun Chowdhury and Sayem Sobhan Anvir, the owner of the media conglomerate Bashundhara Group.
The media houses under question, including Daily Sun, Daily Kaler Kantho, Banglanews24, Kaler Kantho, and TV Channel News24, have been accused of consistently publishing baseless stories against Sharun Chowdhury and his family. Sharun and his father, Shamsul Hoque Chowdhury MP, who holds the position of Whip of the National Parliament, have now taken legal action by filing a $50 million defamation case against Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, the owner of Bashundhara Group, and Sayem Sobhan Anvir.
The dispute reportedly stems from a personal clash between Nazmul Karim Chowdhury Sharun, who is also a director of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and a prominent member of the Bangladesh Awami League, and Sayem Sobhan Anvir. Sharun claimed in various media outlets that this rivalry began due to allegations of an extramarital affair between Sayem Sobhan Anvir and Sharunâs ex-wife, Saifa Rahman Mims.
Sharun stated, âAfter our divorce, my ex-wife had nothing to do with me, but I donât understand why Anvir and Saifa Mims ganged up to defame me and my family using their news media. Itâs a shameless and unethical effort to use a media house against personal enmity. I have integrity, and the people know about me and my family. My father has been elected three times as a parliament member and is one of the most popular politicians in Chittagong. This low-class effort by Bashundhara-owned media cannot harm our reputation, as people know who we are. In fact, people have started boycotting them and their media.â
In a remarkable display of solidarity, more than 10,000 individuals from various corners of Chittagong gathered in front of the Chittagong Press Club to express their anger and support for Sharun Chowdhury and his family. The gathering was a response to the allegations of fake news being spread about them by media outlets owned by Bashundhara Group, including the Daily Sun and Banglanews24.
Fueled by outrage over what they perceive as a deliberate attempt to tarnish Sharun Chowdhuryâs reputation, the protesters made their voices heard loud and clear. They came together to denounce the alleged false reporting and manipulative news coverage targeting Sharun and his family.
In a symbolic act of condemnation, the demonstrators set effigies of Sayem Sobhan Anvir and his father, Shah Alam, ablaze. These actions underscore the intensity of public sentiment against what they view as malicious activities by the media outlets associated with the Bashundhara Group.
This massive gathering not only highlights the deep-rooted anger within the community but also serves as a testament to the widespread support that Sharun Chowdhury enjoys in Chittagong. As this controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the ongoing dispute between Sharun Chowdhury and the Bashundhara Group-owned media outlets.
This ongoing feud has not only drawn significant attention within political and media circles but has also raised questions about the role of media houses in personal conflicts. As the legal battle unfolds, the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case.