Charge sheet against 3 newsmen in Barisal

BNP activist Syed Fakir, who faces three cases of extortion and terrorism, had filed the case with Agailjhara magistrate court on October 28, 2002, allegedly at the behest of Agailjhora thana OC Maniruzzaman.

The case was filed against Saiful Islam, local correspondent of Jugantar, Omar Sani of Ittefaq and Ferdous Molla Babu of Bhorer Kagoj.

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Syed Fakir complained that the three journalists demanded tolls from his family members and threatened to publish news against them for non-compliance.

The OC then rapidly went into action. He arrested the journalists on 29 October and sent them to court.

The court granted them bail on the same day.

Later, local BNP MP Zahiruddin Swapan assured the journalist community here that the accused journalists would not be harassed by police. The Tmatter was also brought to the notice of the Inspector General of Police during his recent visit to Barisal.

It is alleged that the Agailjhara thana OC is involved in corruption and the case was filed as the local media was critical of his activities.

Mentionably, Syed Fakir was arrested earlier for criminal activities and looting trees, which was reported by the three journalists.

Talking to this correspondent, leaders of Barisal Reporters Unity, professional groups and members of the civil society criticised submission of a charge sheet in a "false" case and demanded action against the persons responsible.