Journalist accused of threats and harassment for covering news on government rice seizure

Bangladesh Nationalist Volunteer Party Raninagar Upazila branch general secretary Md. Mahmud Nabi Belal and BNP supporter Mamun have been accused of threatening, intimidating and insulting journalists for collecting and publishing news about the seizure of government rice in Raninagar, Naogaon. The incident has sparked anger and concern among local journalists. On September 30, based on information provided by journalists, the relevant authorities conducted a raid on a godown in Raninagar. During the raid, 18 sacks of government rice weighing 30 kg were seized. The total amount of rice seized was 540 kg. The incident was reported and publicized in various...

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Bangladesh Nationalist Volunteer Party Raninagar Upazila branch general secretary Md. Mahmud Nabi Belal and BNP supporter Mamun have been accused of threatening, intimidating and insulting journalists for collecting and publishing news about the seizure of government rice in Raninagar, Naogaon. The incident has sparked anger and concern among local journalists.

On September 30, based on information provided by journalists, the relevant authorities conducted a raid on a godown in Raninagar. During the raid, 18 sacks of government rice weighing 30 kg were seized. The total amount of rice seized was 540 kg. The incident was reported and publicized in various media outlets. The published report mentioned that the godown belonged to a leader of Raninagar Upazila BNP.

Then, Mahmud Nabi Belal and Mamun were accused of disrespectful behavior, threats, and insults towards journalists for gathering news, recording videos, and publishing news about the incident.

A video circulating on social media shows a tense situation at one stage during an argument between Channel S Television senior journalist and Naogaon district correspondent Mehedi Hasan Antar and national daily Ameer Economist journalist Siddiqur Rahman. At that time, there were allegations of threats and insults to the journalists.

Journalist Mehdi Hasan Antar said that they were treated like this because they were covering news, recording videos and bringing the matter to the attention of the administration about the government rice seizure. Intimidation and threats against journalists while carrying out their professional duties are in no way acceptable.

In this regard, Azad Hossain Murad, General Secretary of Naogaon District Press Club, and Abbas Ali, Acting General Secretary of Naogaon District Journalists Union, said that a proper investigation is needed into the allegations of obstruction, threats or insults to journalists in carrying out their duties. They demanded that necessary legal action be taken against those involved if the allegations are found to be true. At the same time, the journalist leaders also demanded that the safety of journalists be ensured while carrying out their professional duties.

Meanwhile, Naogaon District Nationalist Volunteer Party convener Shafiul Azam Tutul has announced that organizational steps will be taken regarding the incident. He said that he has seen the matter in various media outlets. The party does not accept such incidents in any way. A letter has already been prepared to issue a show cause notice to Mahmud Nabi Belal. If he fails to give a satisfactory reply within the stipulated time, organizational action will be taken to expel him.

However, an attempt has been made to obtain the statement of Md. Mahmud Nabi Belal, General Secretary of Bangladesh Nationalist Volunteer Party Raninagar Upazila Branch, regarding the allegations of threats, intimidation and humiliation of journalists. If his statement is received, it will be added to the report.

Local journalists have demanded a proper investigation into allegations of obstruction, threats, and intimidation of journalists in carrying out their duties and necessary action be taken.