BNP Leader Files Case Against Journalists in Rajshahi Over Alleged Extortion and Defamation

A political leader affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has filed a legal case against four journalists in Rajshahi under the Extortion and Cyber Security Act. The case, which includes accusations against several unnamed individuals, was officially lodged at Boalia Model Police Station on Tuesday afternoon.

The plaintiff, Bajlul Haque Montu, who serves as the joint convener of Rajshahi Mahanagar BNP, has named four prominent journalists in the case. The accused include Rafiqul Islam, the Rajshahi Bureau Chief of Kaler Kantha and President of the Rajshahi Journalist Union; Rashed Ripon, the Rajshahi correspondent for Gazi Television and Joint Secretary General of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ); Rozina Sultana, a correspondent for the daily Kartowa; and Asghar Ali Sagar, a journalist with the local daily Upachar.

Allegations Rooted in Political Tensions

According to the case statement, the controversy began on December 2, 2022, just one day before a significant BNP divisional meeting held at the Rajshahi Madrasa ground. Montu claims that media cards featuring images of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman were prepared for the event. These cards were intended for journalists covering the rally, and most local journalists reportedly accepted them willingly.

However, Montu alleges that when he offered these cards to the accused journalists at the BNP office in Malopara, they refused to accept them and demanded a sum of one lakh taka. Upon his refusal to pay, Montu claims the journalists threatened him with violence and made defamatory statements aimed at undermining the reputation of Khaleda Zia and Tariq Rahman. He further asserts that these journalists spread malicious content via social and electronic media, creating negative public sentiment.

Delay in Filing the Case

Montu's statement also notes that he first learned of the alleged defamatory news on December 3 while at the BNP party office in Boalia. He claims that unfavorable political conditions and consultations with party leaders delayed the filing of the case.

Journalists Deny Accusations, Highlight Free Press Concerns

Responding to the allegations, Rafiqul Islam dismissed the claims, stating that there was no prior discussion with BNP regarding the media cards. According to Islam, the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) issued a press release clarifying that such cards were not necessary for entry into the rally. Despite this, journalists still covered the event. Islam also mentioned that Montu, who is reportedly in hiding, was expelled from the BNP and has been making false accusations.

Rashed Ripon, another accused journalist, added that Montu had previously confronted carpenters working at his residence, demanding three lakh taka from the son of the house’s former owner. Ripon suggested that Montu’s current legal action is another attempt to extract money under false pretenses.

Ripon further emphasized that the use of party-specific media cards is uncommon among journalists, who typically rely on their press credentials. He argued that cases like this pose a threat to independent journalism and freedom of the press.

Police Investigation Underway

Efforts to reach Bajlul Haque Montu for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was reportedly switched off. Meanwhile, Boalia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) SM Masud Parvez confirmed that the case had been filed under sections related to extortion and cyber security and stated that an investigation is ongoing.

For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Bengali Vogue.