In a commentary published on March 25, 2026, in the newspaper Amar Desh, editor Mahmudur Rahman discussed the rise of Dr. Zahed-ur Rahman, who currently serves as the Prime Minister’s strategic adviser with additional responsibilities for the culture and information ministries. Rahman highlighted that Dr. Zahed described Prothom Alo as the only 'hadmwala, secular, and liberal' newspaper in Bangladesh, while dismissing other media outlets as inferior. Dr. Zahed reportedly expressed pride in being a columnist for Prothom Alo and criticized Amar Desh in his online content.

The article accused Dr. Zahed of harboring hostility toward Amar Desh and ignoring the repression the paper faced under Sheikh Hasina’s government. It contrasted Prothom Alo’s and The Daily Star’s alleged pro-government roles with Amar Desh’s opposition stance during the 2007–2024 period. Rahman argued that Dr. Zahed’s favoritism toward certain media reflects ideological bias inconsistent with his official responsibilities.

The piece concluded by questioning how Dr. Zahed’s leadership in the culture and information ministries might influence national media policy and cultural direction under the current administration.