At a press conference titled ‘Soft Power, Hard Abuse: Awami League’s Media Mafia’, senior journalist and political analyst Ahsan Akbar made serious allegations against Kazi Anis, accusing him of lobbying for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina using a combination of soft power, money laundering, and influence over both local and international media platforms. The press conference was part of a series of international conferences organized by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and The Future Forum.
Akbar detailed how the previous government, under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, had employed soft power tactics to manipulate both domestic and foreign narratives in favor of the regime. These strategies included using associates to control local media outlets, the implementation of the Digital Security Act (later Cyber Security Act) in 2018, and spending large amounts of money to promote a favorable image internationally.
He further claimed that these efforts were not only limited to Bangladesh’s borders but expanded globally, with actions such as hiring international political lobbyists, paying influential members of the U.S. Congress, and establishing platforms like the Center for Research and Information (CRI). According to Akbar, these actions helped legitimize a “brutal and undemocratic regime.”
A key part of the accusations revolved around the use of international lobbying organizations and suspicious financial transactions. Akbar stated that millions of dollars were funneled to individuals and organizations abroad without Bangladesh Bank’s approval, which he described as money laundering under Bangladeshi law. He cited reports such as the one from Netra News (September 2024) that revealed the hiring of a lobbyist named Liberty South Asia in Washington, D.C., who was paid through a Dubai-based company, Green Perspective, registered as a tea, coffee, and snacks seller.
Akbar also criticized the spread of false narratives, including anti-Muslim and pro-Israel propaganda, often linked to extremist Hindutva ideologies. He claimed that these narratives were pushed through various platforms and media channels under the guidance of Sheikh Hasina’s associates, specifically through CRI, which was headed by Hasina’s nephew.
The conference highlighted how the Awami League government’s soft power tactics extended to cultural and literary platforms as well. For example, Akbar mentioned the misuse of the Dhaka Lit Fest, where influential figures were able to manipulate discussions, and the takeover of Pen Bangladesh without proper elections. The influence of CRI and its role in pushing the government’s agenda were also discussed.
Moreover, the conversation turned to the legal and political implications of the group’s activities. Akbar spoke about his own legal battle in the UK, where he was involved in a case from March 2024 to January 2025. The case centered on accusations of financial mismanagement, with the Gemcon Group, a company connected to Kazi Anis, owing over Tk 1,000 crore in local debt. This debt included unpaid dues to former employees of Dhaka Tribune.
The press conference also brought attention to the political connections of Kazi Anis and his family. Akbar referred to statements made by Gemcon Group Director Kazi Anis Ahmed during the July Revolution of 2024, which were deemed highly controversial. Kazi Anis’ brother, Kazi Nabil Ahmed, a former Member of Parliament, organized a rally during the protests where he allegedly labeled the protesters as “terrorists.”
In addition to these political remarks, the press conference discussed threats made against Ahsan Akbar and his family. According to the allegations, the family was subjected to mafia-style threats involving the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), which is known for its controversial role in political suppression.
Ahsan Akbar concluded by discussing the ongoing investigation into the Gemcon Group’s alleged involvement in money laundering. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has reportedly opened an inquiry into these activities, which have been extensively covered by media outlets, including The Daily Star on October 10, 2024.
The event was attended by several key figures, including poet and Dhaka Lit Fest founder Ahsan Akbar, senior journalist Ashraf Kaiser, and various political analysts. The speakers expressed concern over the ongoing manipulation of media and the alleged abuse of power, calling for further scrutiny and investigation into the links between political influence and financial misconduct in Bangladesh’s domestic and international affairs.
This press conference marks the latest development in a series of events that have shed light on the controversial use of soft power and international lobbying to further political agendas under Sheikh Hasina’s government.
