Bogra editor remanded in custody over defamation case involving junior minister

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Bogra District Police have arrested Md. Rezanur Islam, acting editor of the newspaper *Dainik Agratra Pratidin*, following allegations of disseminating defamatory information regarding State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Md. Shah Alam. The suspect was apprehended by a detective branch (DB) team in the Joydebpur area of Gazipur on Thursday night and subsequently remanded to jail by Chief Judicial Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun on Friday.

The arrest stems from a case filed last Wednesday at Bogra Sadar Police Station under the Cyber Security Act. The complainant, Tanvir Alam, who serves as the editor of the local newspaper *Dainik Mahastan* and treasurer of the Bogra Press Club, accused six journalists from *Dainik Agratra Pratidin* of extortion and the deliberate publication of false, fabricated, and misleading information. The legal complaint alleges that the accused, including editor Mehedi Hassan, news editor Ashraf Ali Faruqi, and reporters Saleh Kaiser, Shamshul Alam Sams, and Sabbir Hassan, systematically worked to damage the personal, social, and political reputations of both the state minister and the complainant.

During Friday’s court proceedings, defense counsel moved for bail for Rezanur Islam. The court has scheduled the formal bail hearing for Sunday. DB Inspector Iqbal Bahar confirmed that the investigation into the extortion and cyber security charges is being led by Sub-Inspector Rahmat Ullah Manik, following the intelligence-led operation that resulted in the arrest.

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In an official statement released Friday night, State Minister Md. Shah Alam distanced himself from the litigation, clarifying that he had neither authorized nor issued directives for the filing of the case. Expressing regret over the circumstances involving the *Dainik Agratra Pratidin* staff, the minister urged all involved parties to pursue a peaceful resolution through legal and consultative channels. He further appealed for the swift release of the detained journalist.

The minister also addressed the broader implications for the local media community, noting that since both the complainant and the accused are journalists, it is essential to prevent internal discord or escalating tension. He called upon members of the press to exercise restraint and responsibility, requesting that journalists independently verify information before reporting on matters concerning his office.