Journalist organizations and various voluntary groups in Lakshmipur staged a major protest and human chain program on Wednesday (November 12) morning, demanding the immediate arrest of the individual who issued a death threat to Independent TV staff reporter Abbas Hossain.
The threat was received by Hossain, who is also the publisher and editor of the daily Meghnar Teer newspaper, on the evening of Monday, November 10, via multiple mobile phone calls. The caller threatened to shoot and kill both him and his family members. Hossain subsequently filed a general diary (GD) with the Sadar Police Station.
The two-hour protest, held in front of the Lakshmipur Press Club, drew leaders and members from the Lakshmipur Press Club, Journalists Union, District Reporters Unity, Private Hospital Clinic and Owners Association, and several other organizations.
Speakers at the event stated that the threat likely stems from Hossain's recent reports on crucial issues, including infrastructural development, drug irregularities, corruption, and illegal brick kiln operations. They emphasized that threats would not deter journalists from continuing their reporting.
The journalist leaders issued a 24-hour ultimatum, warning of "stricter action" if authorities fail to identify and arrest those involved in the threat within that time-frame.
In response, Police Superintendent Md. Akhter Hossain confirmed that the matter is being treated seriously. He assured the public that police are actively working to identify the threat maker using various technologies and promised an arrest "very soon," reiterating the police's commitment to journalist safety.
