Shariatpur journalists face intimidation and counter-extortion claims following attack by BNP leader

SHARIATPUR — Tensions between local journalists and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have escalated significantly in Shariatpur, as local party leader Arifuzzaman Molla filed an extortion complaint against several journalists just days after being accused of orchestrating an assault against members of the media.

Arifuzzaman Molla, the joint general secretary of the Shariatpur district BNP, submitted a written complaint to the Palong Model Police Station on Wednesday night, alleging extortion. This filing came shortly after Barkat Molla, a representative for the newspaper Manabkantha, filed a separate complaint on Wednesday evening accusing Arifuzzaman of assaulting and threatening local journalists. Reporters on the ground claim that while their complaint was submitted, police have yet to register it as a formal case or General Diary (GD) entry after more than 24 hours.

The conflict originated last Saturday following the demolition of a boundary wall at the Shariatpur Press Club by the district administration. Following the event, local journalist B.M. Israfil posted a protest on Facebook featuring images of Press Club President Abul Hossain and Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum. On Sunday morning, Israfil was attacked, resulting in a fractured wrist. Journalists allege that Polash Sardar, son of the Press Club President—who also serves as a district BNP vice president—was involved in the assault.

In the ensuing days, local journalists staged protests demanding the withdrawal of the Deputy Commissioner. In response, certain factions of the BNP held separate rallies and demonstrations against the journalists. On Tuesday morning, reporters Zahid Hasan of The Daily Star, Bidhan Majumder of News24 and Jago News, and Barkat Molla of Dainik Edin and Manabkantha were allegedly assaulted by activists led by Arifuzzaman Molla while covering a protest near the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Later that day, journalists reportedly received further threats via telephone.

Journalists have also obtained an audio recording in which a voice, identified as Arifuzzaman Molla, is heard threatening Polash Khan, president of the Jajira Upazila Press Club, and mentioning a “list” of journalists to be targeted.

Two dead after motorcycle collision with bus on Faridpur expressway

Read Article

Despite the mounting allegations, the BNP has not taken official disciplinary action against Arifuzzaman. Sirajul Haque Molla, vice president of the Shariatpur district BNP, characterized the journalists’ actions toward the Deputy Commissioner as inappropriate, labeling them “remnants of fascists.” He noted that while Arifuzzaman’s verbal threats were “unfortunate” and “unintended,” the party would investigate the matter.

Palong Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shah Alam confirmed that investigators are currently looking into multiple filings, including the case filed by Israfil, the counter-case filed by the accused Polash Sardar, and the recent complaints of assault and extortion.

Journalists in the district have expressed deep concern over their personal safety, noting that they are facing continuous intimidation from local political figures. Press Club General Secretary Nurul Amin described the situation as alarming, emphasizing that the lack of formal police action on their complaints has fueled widespread anxiety among the local media community.