DFP terminates Bhorer Kagoj from government's media list

The Department of Films and Publications (DFP) has terminated daily Bengali newspaper Bhorer Kagoj from the government's media list. DFP sent a letter to this end to Bhorer Kagoj top management on 24 March 2025 though it surfaced in mass media on Wednesday

(16 April). According to the letter issued by DFP, an inspection team comprising three officials visited Bhorer Kagoj office and press on 20 January 2025 but the main office of the newspaper was found under lock and key and a notice on office closure was hanging at the entrance to Bhorer Kagoj office.

DFP conducted broader inquiries on the basis of agitation by Bhorer Kagoj staffers. DFP also found the press closed which was named in the printers' line of Bhorer Kagoj. DFP has stated that Bhorer Kagoj did not inform authorities concerned about the real address and location of the newspaper's press.

According to DFP, the press manager told DFP inspection team that Bhorer Kagoj prints out around 200 to 300 copies everyday. Bhorer Kagoj pays printing bills by hand cash or Bkash, the press manager further said. The press staff could not show any official documents or registrations to DFP inspectors linked with the printing volume of Bhorer Kagoj, which is a clear violation of statutory laws for newspapers, DFP officials have informed.

The letter from DFP cited that Bhorer Kagoj provided fabricated information to DFP about the number of printed copies and some other regulatory breaches were also found with Bhorer Kagoj.

DFP's letter added that from now on Bhorer Kagoj will not be granted advertisements and newsprint quota from government offices including all ministries, departments, divisions, directorates, autonomous institutions, state-run public limited companies, districts, upazilas, municipalities, city corporations and local administrations.