Shafik Rehman returns to TV with 'Lal Golap' after 8-year hiatus

Journalist and TV presenter Shafik Rehman is set to make a comeback on television with his popular programme ‘Lal Golap’ after nearly eight years. 

Rehman revealed that two episodes have already been recorded and, if all goes well, the show will air on a private channel starting December 1.

Rehman, the founding editor of Weekly Jai Jai Din and later Daily Jai Jai Din, also gained prominence with the satirical magazine Mouchake Dhil. 

His career includes work as a writer, editor, television presenter, and chartered accountant. 

However, it was his hosting of ‘Lal Golap’ on BTV during the BNP-Jamaat coalition government that cemented his popularity. Known for welcoming guests with a red rose, the show later aired on Banglavision from 2010.

Each episode of ‘Lal Golap’ focuses on contemporary domestic and international events, with segments dedicated to specific topics and clips from various films.

In August 2023, Shafik Rehman was sentenced to seven years in prison in a case involving a conspiracy to kidnap and kill former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. 

Arrested in 2016, he spent five months in jail and left for the UK after being granted bail in 2018. Following six years in exile, Rehman returned to Bangladesh on August 18, shortly after the government transition on August 5.