Mathbaria, Sept 20 (V7N) – A wave of outrage has erupted in Pirojpur’s Mathbaria after six journalists, along with several others, were forced to leave their homes following a series of politically motivated lawsuits. The cases, filed one after another by different groups, have sparked widespread criticism on social media and in political circles.
 
On Thursday, September 18, Ward BNP President Harunur Rashid of Gulishakhali filed a case under the Explosives Act with Mathbaria Police Station, accusing 102 named Awami League activists and more than 200 unidentified individuals. The case, numbered 15 and dated 18/8/25, also listed Daily Jaijaidin’s Mathbaria correspondent Mostafa Kamal Bullet and Daily Bortoman Kotha staff reporter Nasir Uddin as accused. Observers say the inclusion of journalists in such cases reflects an attempt to harass and silence the press.
 
The witnesses in the case include Mathbaria Upazila BNP Convener Shamim Mia Mridha, BNP Member Secretary Abu Bakar Siddique Badol, and Central Fishermen’s Association Vice President Tariqul Islam Madhu, among 28 others. In addition, Daily Amader Kantho correspondent Ejaz Uddin Chowdhury was named in Case No. 26 dated 25/8/25, while journalists Abul Kalam Azad and Faruk Hossain were also accused in the same case. Former Mathbaria Press Club President Zahid Uddin Palash was implicated in Case No. 31/25 dated 23/2/25.
 
Facing repeated lawsuits, several journalists and their families have reportedly fled the area fearing arrest. Local sources allege that many unnamed individuals were also targeted arbitrarily, often due to personal vendettas.
 
The lawsuits have drawn sharp criticism. Former Mathbaria BNP convener Ruhul Amin Dulal, in a Facebook post, voiced his disapproval, while former Central Jubo Dal International Affairs Secretary A.R. Mamun Khan strongly condemned the cases, blaming Mathbaria Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdullah Al Mamun. He accused the police of filing false cases to tarnish BNP’s image.
 
When contacted, Upazila BNP Convener Shamim Mia Mridha declined to comment directly, suggesting instead that his Facebook account be reviewed for his views. Former Poura BNP President K.M. Humayun Kabir claimed the cases were politically motivated, aimed at bolstering Jamaat while discrediting BNP.
 
In response, Mathbaria OC Abdullah Al Mamun stated that cases were filed only after receiving complaints regarding incidents from 2023, which he said had factual grounds.
 
The situation has left the local journalism community under pressure, with growing concerns about press freedom and political intimidation in the region.
 
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