Rangpur Reporters Club has submitted a memorandum to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Range, demanding immediate withdrawal of what it describes as false cases filed against local journalists and arrest of individuals who have issued threats against them.
The memorandum was formally handed over on Tuesday afternoon to DIG Md Aminul Islam by the club’s president Abdul Aziz Chowdhury Sayeed and general secretary Sarkar Mazharul Mannan, accompanied by members of executive committee.
The organization warned that it will initiate protest programs if no visible action is taken within the next seven days.
Expressing grave concern, the club’s leaders stated in the memorandum that journalists are increasingly facing threats and false accusations for reporting on corruption and irregularities. One such case involved Mahmudul Hasan, Rangpur bureau chief of private satellite channel ‘My TV’ and vice president of Rangpur Reporters Club, who received a burial shroud and death threats after reporting on illegal brick kilns, irregularities involving Union Parishad chairmen and mismanagement in technical education.
In another incident, Begum Rokeya Smriti Girls’ School and College principal Mahedul Alam allegedly threatened Khandaker Rakibul Islam Rakib, Rangpur correspondent of ‘Dainik Amader Shomoy’, following a report on cheating in exams.
Additionally, several journalists have been slapped with Digital Security Act and extortion charges after reporting on misappropriation of VGF rice and other local irregularities.
The memorandum also cited the recent assault of local correspondent of ‘Amar Desh’ M.A. Salam Bishwas by three police personnel on the premises of Badarganj Police Station for taking photographs.
Furthermore, Rangpur Reporters Club president Abdul Aziz Chowdhury Sayeed has been allegedly named in a politically motivated case related to July mass uprising.
The club strongly criticized these actions, stating that such intimidation tactics are aimed at obstructing independent journalism. It emphasized that while current interim government is working to uphold press freedom, these threats and fabricated charges undermine that effort and tarnish government’s image.
The memorandum demands immediate withdrawal of all false cases against journalists, arrest and legal action against those issuing threats, departmental action against police personnel involved in the assault.
DIG Md Aminul Islam, upon receiving the memorandum, assured the journalists that relevant police units have already been instructed to take necessary actions.
He added that no journalist should feel threatened moving forward and that law enforcement across Rangpur Range remains vigilant to ensure journalists’ safety.
Investigations are underway and those found responsible will face appropriate consequences, added the DIG.
LND/SH
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