Mehedi Hasan: This report examines a complex reality in which there is a clear inconsistency between a publicly constructed image of success and the underlying legal context of an individual. In recent times, several mainstream media outlets in Bangladesh have portrayed Dubai-based Md. Shakib Uddin as an inspirational young entrepreneur. However, within these representations, there is a notable absence of information regarding past allegations, arrest records, and related judicial processes, resulting in the emergence of a narrative gap.
An examination of Shakib Uddin’s past indicates that he was involved in operating an e-commerce platform named Thole.com during the tenure of the Awami League administration. Allegations of financial misappropriation were raised in connection with this platform and on March 19, 2021, he was arrested in a fraud case. Subsequently, he left the country and relocated to Dubai(https://prnt.sc/tqvd2Lk6ODoT). According to various sources, multiple arrest warrants reportedly remain active against him (https://prnt.sc/8B_n6dz-6zJa) . This legal background does not appear to align with his current media image.
In contrast, mainstream media outlets have presented Shakib Uddin within a significantly different context. Observations by Bangladesh Media Monitor indicate that on February 16, 2026, Ekushey Television published a report stating that he planned to travel to 100 more countries within the year. The same outlet had earlier reported on January 16 that he had received an honorary Golden Visa from the United Arab Emirates.
Additionally, Shakib appeared as a guest on Channel I’s program “300 Seconds” on August 11, 2021, which occurred within a relatively short period after his arrest. On July 30, 2025, Channel I published a report portraying him as an entrepreneur who rose from zero to success. Similarly, Bangladesh Pratidin, Jaijaidin, Kalbela, Ittefaq, Inqilab and Desh Rupantor, among others, presented him as a young, successful, and internationally established entrepreneur.
An analysis of this consistent media coverage reveals a distinct narrative pattern. Headlines and content repeatedly emphasize themes such as rising from nothing, obtaining a Golden Visa, and achieving international recognition. This repetition contributes to the formation of psychological credibility, where audiences tend to assume that the individual has already been verified and is legitimately successful. However, such symbolic representations do not substitute for actual legal verification.
In terms of digital presence, Shakib Uddin has established a strong position of influence. His Facebook account has more than one million followers, indicating significant social reach. Through this platform, he promotes a financial entity called “Billion Markets,” which offers services related to cryptocurrency or virtual asset trading, fund management, and investment solutions. He has also been associated at different times with international trading platforms such as Exness, It’s Forex Time Global, HF Markets, and Vantage.
A critical aspect in this context is the regulatory framework. Under existing laws in Bangladesh, transactions involving virtual assets or cryptocurrencies are not approved, and Bangladesh Bank has issued warnings regarding such activities. Unauthorized foreign exchange or virtual transactions may be inconsistent with the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947, the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012. In particular, transactions conducted online with anonymous or unregulated counterparties may unintentionally expose individuals to risks related to money laundering or other illicit financial activities.
From a cause-and-effect perspective, a clear pattern emerges. When an individual is consistently portrayed in the media as a successful entrepreneur and simultaneously promotes financial activities through social media, such media validation can transform personal branding into a source of perceived credibility. As a result, members of the public may be encouraged to engage with these activities without sufficient verification. In effect, media coverage and digital influence together create a mechanism of trust amplification.
However, it may not be appropriate to interpret this situation as deliberate propaganda in all cases. Rather, it reflects a structural limitation, where positive content may be published without adequate background verification. When media outlets present an individual based solely on current image without verifying past legal context, they may inadvertently contribute to the construction of an incomplete reality.
Overall, this case illustrates that in the contemporary media environment, reality is not determined solely by events themselves, but also by how information is selected and presented. Through selective inclusion and repetition, a new public image can be constructed, which may be partially or entirely disconnected from underlying realities.
The role of the media becomes critically important. Unverified positive portrayals are not merely narratives; they have the potential to influence public trust, behavior, and financial decision-making. Therefore, media vetting and verification should be regarded not only as professional responsibilities but also as essential components of public safety.
refarences
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YccdC-ZqiFc
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https://www.banglatribune.com/business/news/840100/%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A3%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%81%E0%A6%A6-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%87-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B8-%E0%A6%93-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%AE