Human Chain in Louhjanj Demands Withdrawal of "False Cases" Against Three Journalists

Journalists in Louhjang held a human chain and protest rally on Saturday, demanding the immediate withdrawal of "harassing and fabricated" cases filed against three media workers in Munshiganj.

The protest, organized by the Louhjang Journalists' Association, took place at 11:30 am in front of the Bikrampur Press Club in Haldia Bazar.

Speakers at the rally highlighted the case of Shahidul Islam Suruj, correspondent for Dainik Nithirat and Dainik Sabyatar Alo. While performing professional duties, Suruj visited Satgharia village to document the aftermath of a mob lynching involving two suspected thieves. Although he arrived hours after the incident to collect video footage, he was later named as the sixth accused in a murder case following the suspects' deaths. Local journalists alleged that an "unscrupulous gang"—previously exposed by Suruj for drug dealing—orchestrated the charges to silence him.

The protesters also condemned legal actions against Moinuddin Ahmed Sumon (NTV correspondent and Editor of Munshiganjer Somoy) and Abu Sayeed Dewan Sourav (Daily Bangladesh correspondent). The duo faces a court case filed by Mizanur Rahman, a stenographer at the Munshiganj Civil Surgeon’s office, after they published video evidence of him allegedly accepting bribes.

The demonstrators urged the administration to stop the judicial harassment of journalists and called for the dismissal of these "baseless" charges.

The rally saw participation from leaders of various local press clubs, including Md. Masud Khan, Sheikh Saidur Rahman Tutul, Mizanur Rahman Jhilu, Abu Naser Khan Limon, and Manik Mia. Journalist Suruj’s wife and several local residents also joined the protest in solidarity.