Selling Crime, Criminals and Commercializing Social Panic: Three Case Studies in Bangladesh
Abstract:
This study investigates how three major criminal incidents that occur in Bangladesh are presented in the Daily Star (DS) - a mainstream English language print newspaper with the highest circulation in the country. By examining front page news reports, editorials and photographs portraying these three incidents, this study demonstrates that in cases where both the power elite and their collaborators are involved in criminal activities, the former receives a favorable coverage while the later working as aides to the elites, receives a 'criminal' image. In addition, by using the concept of media framing, this study provides evidence that the DS commercializes crime and criminals. In conclusion, this study also observes that this newspaper is not in a position to provide accurate information to their readers at all times due to suppression by the government that interrupts the journalistic practice of providing accurate information.
Keyword:
Crime, Newspaper, Elite Agenda, Social Discourse, Bangladesh.