UK-based Bangladeshi journalist Zulkarnain Saer Khan criticized The Daily Star for omitting the name of Zaraif Ayaat Hossain, son of Transcom Group CEO Simeen Rahman, from its report on Bangladeshis owning properties in Dubai. 

In a Facebook post on Monday (7 January 2025), Zulkarnain alleged that Zaraif purchased a flat in Palm Jumeirah's Balqis Residence in 2022 for 5.7 million dirhams, a detail absents from the newspaper's coverage.

The same day, The Daily Star published a report, titled “Parking wealth under the Dubai sun,” highlighted investments by several Bangladeshis in Dubai's real estate market but did not mention Zaraif Ayaat Hossain.

“Is this fair journalism? If the newspaper can’t report on its owner’s shady dealing, then what right it has to disclose the others’ property purchase in Dubai?” Zulkarnain wrote on his Facebook wall.

Zulkarnain's post questioned the integrity of the newspaper's journalism, suggesting that omitting information about its owner's family while reporting on others constitutes biased reporting.

He wrote: "Jarif's family owns Bangladesh's so-called 'legendary newspapers,' The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. These outlets have reported on individuals named in a 2022 leaked list regarding property ownership in Dubai. However, they have entirely concealed Jarif's involvement. Is this what fair journalism looks like?"

He emphasized the importance of impartiality in journalism, stating that if a newspaper cannot report on its owner's activities, it undermines its credibility in reporting on others.

The Daily Star has not publicly responded to these allegations. 

Zulkarnain Saer Khan, known for his investigative work, has previously highlighted issues of corruption and transparency in Bangladesh. 

His recent critique adds to the ongoing discourse on media ethics and the role of journalism in holding all individuals accountable, regardless of their affiliations.