Harassment of journalists : Rangpur Reporters Club submits memo to DIG
Rangpur Sadar Correspondent
Rangpur Reporters Club submitted a memorandum to the DIG demanding the withdrawal of false cases against journalists in Rangpur and the arrest of those who made threats and brought them under the law recently.
The organization has announced that it will go on a movement if visible steps are not taken within the next seven days. On Tuesday, April 6 afternoon, the leaders of the executive council led by Rangpur Reporters Club President Abdul Aziz Chowdhury Sayeed and General Secretary Sarkar Mazharul Mannan handed over the memorandum to Rangpur Range DIG Md. Aminul Islam.
In the memorandum, the leaders expressed deep concern and said that recently, for broadcasting news about illegal brick kilns, UP chairman and irregularities in technical training, Rangpur Buro Pradhan of private satellite channel My TV, Rangpur Reporters Club Vice-President Mahmudul Hasan has been threatened by sending a shroud. On the other hand, Mahidul Alam, principal of Mithapukur Pairabandh Begum Rokeya Smriti Girls School and College, has threatened to break the knee of Khandaker Rakibul Islam Rakib, the Rangpur correspondent of Daily Amader somoy, for publishing news of cooperation in supplying copies in exams.
In addition, false cases of digital security and extortion have been filed against Abdul Quddus Sarkar, the correspondent of Pirgachha Upazila "Dainik Sangbad", Shahin Mirza Suman, the correspondent of Janakantha, and Harun Or Rashid Babu, a member of Rangpur Reporters Club, for publishing reports on various irregularities including embezzlement of VGF rice. A few days ago, three policemen beat up MA Salam Biswas, the local correspondent of Daily "Amar Desh" newspaper, for taking pictures at the Badarganj Police Station campus. On the other hand, Abdul Aziz Chowdhury Sayeed, the president of Rangpur Reporters Club, has been named as an accused in a case of the anti-discrimination student movement.
The memorandum states that the journalist community of Rangpur is worried and terrified by these incidents. The Rangpur Reporters Club believes that these incidents amount to obstructing independent journalism. At a time when the interim government is currently trying to ensure the freedom of the media and journalists, such threats and filing cases are tarnishing the image of the government. The memorandum demands the withdrawal of all false cases filed, the arrest and legal action of the threat makers, and departmental action against the accused police members. If these demands are not met within the next seven days, the memorandum states that they will go on a movement.
DIG Mohammad Aminul Islam said that instructions have been given to the relevant police units to take action immediately after receiving the memorandum. There is no need for anyone to be afraid after August 5. Every unit of the Rangpur range is working and will continue to be on the highest alert to ensure the overall safety of journalists. Action will be taken against the criminals after investigation.
