Bhola BNP Leader Files Cyber Case Against 7 Journalists; Media Community Protests

A case filed under the Cyber Security Act (CSA) against seven journalists and a local politician by a former BNP leader has sparked intense condemnation and protests in Bhola.

The case was filed by Motahar Hossain Alamgir Malatia, former General Secretary of Char Fashion Upazila BNP, at the Barishal Cyber Crime Tribunal. Judge Sharmin Jahan has since ordered the Char Fashion Police Station to investigate the allegations.

The dispute reportedly began after Malatia allegedly labeled local journalists as "yellow journalists" and "extortionists" during a meeting with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). In response, the Char Fashion Press Club issued a formal letter seeking an explanation and shared the protest on social media.

Angered by the social media post, Malatia filed the case on April 27, though the information only reached the journalist community on Tuesday (May 5).

The primary accused are Zulfikar Mahmud Niaz (Press Club President, Bangladesh Alo), Kamal Goldar (General Secretary, Inqilab), Abu Siddique (Agamir Som), Aminul Islam (Jai Jai Din), Jamal Mollah (Daily Sambad), Saiful Islam Mukul (Daily Bangla), Noman Sikder (Daily Samakal), Kazi Manjur Hossain (Former Organizational Secretary, Upazila BNP).

In a protest meeting held at the Char Fashion Press Club, media workers characterized the case as a "harassment tactic" designed to stifle independent journalism. Nasiruddin Liton, General Secretary of the Bhola Press Club, alleged that the BNP leader is attempting to shield himself from media scrutiny regarding allegations of extortion following the political shift on August 5.

The local journalist community has warned of stricter programs if the "false and harassing" cases are not withdrawn immediately.