Staff Correspondent, Thakurgaon, Baliadangi
Police in Thakurgaon filed a case against a local journalist under the draconian Digital Security Act for a social media post criticizing the administration over inaction to prevent spared of coronavirus in the district. Sub Inspector Mohammad Zahurul Islam filed the case against Md Al Mamun Jibon, a district correspondent of a Dhaka-based Bengali daily, with Baliadangi Police Station on Wednesday.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Habibul Haque Pradhan confirmed the mater to Bangladesh Post. Earlier Jibon, in a post on Facebook, wrote that amid the countrywide lockdown, workers from Narayanganj continued to enter Thakurgaon and local administration remained inactive.
The OC said the accused was at large and probe opened into the matter. Claiming that nothing here is related to journalism, Thakuragaon Superintendent of Police Moniruzzaman Selim said that detailed would be reveled after investigation.
Rights activists and journalist termed the move a threat to freedom of speech. Transparency International Bangladesh Eexecutive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, “This law (Digital Security Act) has become tool to oppress the journalist and bar the freedom of speech.” Condemning the lawsuit, Iftekharuzzaman urged authorities concerned to withdrawn it.
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Police should not forget that no one is above law and they are accountable to the constitution,” he added. Talking to Bangladesh Post, a local journalist of Thakurgaon also demanded to withdraw this case. ”It is truly an unacceptable role by law enforcers,” he said on condition of anonymity.