In Rauzan, Chattogram, allegations have emerged of a “false case” filed against journalist Md. Shahadat Hossain Sajjad, Rauzan correspondent for Ajker Darpan and Bangladesh Post, and Joint General Secretary of Rauzan Press Club.
Shahadat Hossain and his family said that on January 21, 2020, a road blockade was organized in Rauzan under the banner of the general public to protest against the Tariqat-based Muniria Youth Tabligh Committee. He reported the event in a national daily.
Following the report, on November 6 this year, Mohammad Nurul Alam (Al Imme), advisor of the Muniria Youth Tabligh Committee, 104 No. Chikdair branch, filed a case against him, alleging vandalism and looting. Shahadat Hossain is the 17th defendant, accused of looting 50,000 takas and breaking a cupboard.
Shahadat Hossain said, “This is a completely false and baseless case. I have been practicing journalism in Rauzan for over 11–12 years and have no involvement in any vandalism or looting.” He added that the road blockade was a protest against the atrocities and arson by radical supporters of the Muniria Youth Tabligh Committee.
Rauzan Press Club condemned the case and demanded its immediate withdrawal, calling it a direct attack on press freedom. Earlier, a similar case was filed against Arafat Hossain, a correspondent of Ajker Patrika, by the same organization.
Rauzan Police Station OC Monirul Islam Bhuiya said, “Since the case does not specifically mention journalists, it is difficult to determine who is a journalist and who is a defendant. The matter will be verified during investigation, and if necessary, the journalist’s name may be removed from the charge sheet.”
