Afizur Rahman, a retired Major from the Bangladesh Army, served nearly a decade in the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) during Sheikh Hasina’s regime, a period labeled as "fascist."

During his tenure, Rahman wielded significant influence over media and media-related organizations, with allegations surfacing that he abused his power to suppress press freedom.

Rahman is accused of interfering with the independence of the press, allegedly directing media outlets to dismiss journalists who published unfavorable reports about the then Hasina regime. He also reportedly manipulated elections within key journalist organizations. Several of his alleged victims are now preparing to take legal action against him.

Shortly after the student-led revolution in July and August, Rahman transitioned to the role of Chief Operating Officer at the Daily Janakantha. Prior to that, following his retirement from the military, he held a position at the Daily Bangla.

While at the DGFI, Rahman is said to have exerted considerable control over the National Press Club, Federal Journalists' Union, Dhaka Journalists' Union, Dhaka Reporters' Unity, and the Bangladesh Crime Reporters' Association. He reportedly handpicked which journalists could participate in elections and blocked those he deemed undesirable. Those who defied him, according to sources, faced harassment.

One striking example involved a chief reporter from an electronic media outlet in the Shegunbagicha area of Dhaka, who ran for the position of General Secretary in the Dhaka Reporters' Unity election. Despite Rahman’s direct orders to withdraw, the journalist proceeded with his candidacy. Shortly thereafter, he was abducted from his office and held for nearly eight hours. Despite appeals to senior DGFI officials, no action was taken against Rahman, adding to suspicions of high-level protection during Hasina’s administration.

Rahman's influence extended beyond quiet coercion. He is accused of deploying operatives to media organizations to control published content, occasionally making personal visits to threaten journalists. Multiple sources recount how he pressured editorial boards to align their narratives with government interests.

Rahman was contacted several times by phone around 7 PM on Wednesday. However, he repeatedly declined to answer the calls, leaving the allegations against him unaddressed.