Two journalists in Ashulia, Savar, are facing allegations of a false case, raising concerns among local reporters over the registration of the case without proper investigation.
The journalists involved are Aslam Howlader Sakib, a correspondent for Bangladesh Bulletin, and Sufi Sumon, Ashulia correspondent for the newspaper Sokaler Shomoy. On Saturday night (Nov 2), Awami League leader Nasrin Akter filed the case at Ashulia police station.
Nasrin Akter is the legal affairs secretary of the Bangabandhu Soinik League.
According to reports, Sakib and Sumon were investigating corruption and irregularities involving Ashulia Police Station OC Abdul Hannan. When they sought information regarding the allegations, Nasrin Akter allegedly retaliated by lodging claims of theft and misconduct against the journalists, which were registered by the OC.
Sakib stated, “We have never met the complainant, yet false allegations of theft and misconduct have been fabricated against us.” Sumon added that Nasrin Akter became upset when asked for details about her alleged involvement in land fraud and encroachment. At the same time, the journalists’ inquiries into the OC’s activities appear to have prompted the case.
When contacted, Nasrin Akter confirmed filing the case but declined to comment on the specifics.
Ashulia police OC Abdul Hannan could not be reached for comment, while investigation officer Azgar Hossain said he did not wish to discuss the matter.