Pabna, Sept. 14 (V7N) — Journalists in Pabna have staged a human chain and submitted a memorandum protesting what they described as a smear campaign and conspiracy against Pabna Press Club General Secretary Zahurul Islam, demanding punishment for those allegedly involved.
During the protest, the journalists gave the authorities a 24-hour ultimatum to remove Rashedul Islam, officer-in-charge of the Detective Branch (DB) of Pabna District Police, from his post. They warned that stricter programmes would be announced if the demand was not met.
The human chain was held at around 11 a.m. on Sunday (Sept. 13) on Abdul Hamid Road, one of the city's main thoroughfares, under the banner of Pabna Press Club.
Journalist leaders alleged that a staged video was recorded at the DB office, a sensitive security facility, after a woman was allegedly held there and intimidated into making statements against Zahurul Islam. They described the alleged incident as unacceptable and said spreading false, misleading and fabricated information against a journalist for a particular purpose posed a serious threat to independent journalism.
They demanded the removal of DB OC Rashedul Islam within 24 hours and called for prompt legal action against him and others allegedly involved. The speakers warned of tougher programmes if their demands were not addressed.
The human chain was moderated by Pabna Press Club Literary Secretary Pavel Mridha. Speakers included Press Club President Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar, former General Secretary Abdul Matin Khan, former president and NTV-Samakal staff reporter ABM Fazlur Rahman, former secretary and Machranga Television's northern bureau chief Utpal Mirza, Ekushey Television and Manabzamin staff reporter Rajiur Rahman Rumi, Bangladesh Today correspondent Abdul Hamid Khan, GK Sadi, Abdullah Al Mahmud Mannan Master, Prothom Alo correspondent Sarwar Morshed Ullas, Alokito Bangladesh correspondent Kazi Babla, ATN News and Agamir Samay correspondent Rizvi Joy, Camera Journalists Association of Pabna President Ziaul Haque Ripon, and Bangladesh Book Sellers Association Pabna President Abdul Majid.
Around 100 journalists and media workers attended the programme.
Pabna Press Club leaders also alleged that a group identifying itself as journalists had recently formed an organisation with a name similar to that of Pabna Press Club and established a network involved in alleged drug dealing, land grabbing, blackmail and extortion.
They said mainstream journalists had submitted written complaints about the alleged activities to various government offices, including the district law and order committee. According to the Press Club leaders, the group subsequently used a young woman, with the alleged assistance of some political figures and police officials, to stage an incident against General Secretary Zahurul Islam.
Following the human chain, journalist leaders submitted a memorandum to the Pabna Superintendent of Police demanding the removal of DB OC Rashedul Islam and legal and departmental action against those allegedly involved. Copies of the memorandum were also sent to the Home Minister, Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police in Rajshahi and Pabna Deputy Commissioner.
Meanwhile, on Saturday (Sept. 12), the woman identified as Nafisa told a news conference at her home that a woman political leader named Suborna Halim had allegedly held her and forced her to make false statements against Press Club General Secretary Zahurul Islam.
Nafisa further alleged that she was later taken to the DB office, where a person identifying himself as a journalist, named Sohel Rana Biplob, recorded the alleged statement on video in the presence of her parents. She has since withdrawn in writing the complaint she had previously submitted to the police, according to the report.
DB OC Rashedul Islam, however, said the woman's family had sought police assistance because they were frightened.
“The victim's family asked us for help as they were frightened. We rescued them and brought them into our custody to provide legal assistance. At one point during the conversation, someone may have recorded a video,” he said.
Pabna Superintendent of Police Abu Ashraf said the authorities were aware of the matter and would form an investigation committee.
“We have heard about the matter. We will form an investigation committee. Action will be taken after the committee investigates the incident and submits its report,” he said.
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