“Baseless allegations will not be entertained”

In a concerning development, numerous journalists have been named alongside Awami League activists in murder cases related to the anti-discrimination movement. Government officials have termed these incidents as "unfortunate" and stated that most of these murder cases against journalists were not filed by the government or police, but rather instigated by certain individuals. As a result, they assured that journalists will be cleared of all baseless allegations.

According to available information, a total of 128 journalists across the country have so far been accused in murder cases related to the mass killings that took place in July and August. Most recently, on March 16, nine professional journalists were named as accused in the murder case of Saiful Islam (22). Saiful was killed on July 19 last year during a student-led anti-discrimination protest in the Kakrail area under Paltan Police Station. The case was filed by his cousin, Rafiqul Islam Bepari (45), eight months after the incident. Due to the delay, a court petition was required before the case could be filed. Once accepted by the court, the FIR was registered at Paltan Police Station.

Earlier, on September 11, 25 professional journalists were accused in the murder case of Fazlu, filed at the capital’s Bhashantek Police Station. Similarly, on August 23, seven journalists were named in a case over the murder of student Nayeem Howlader at Jatrabari Police Station. Several journalists have been implicated in multiple murder cases. However, many of them claim they had no knowledge or involvement in the incidents, raising serious concerns about the credibility of the allegations. What will happen to these baseless accusations? In response, Viewz Bangladesh spoke to key state officials.

Legal advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul told Viewz Bangladesh, “It has come to our attention that in several cases related to the July–August mass killings, many journalists have been made accused. In most of these instances, the cases were initiated locally by ordinary citizens—not by the government or police. I want to be clear: no journalist will be harassed without specific allegations and evidence. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already formed a committee to monitor harassment-related cases against journalists. The committee has been instructed to collect and examine information regarding all such cases filed after July 1.”

When asked whether any action would be taken against those who filed false cases against journalists, Dr. Nazrul said, “Anyone is free to take legal recourse in such matters.”

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman acknowledged to Viewz Bangladesh, “I do not deny that false cases are being filed against journalists under various pretexts. However, unlike the previous fascist regimes, these are not state- or police-driven cases. The government has already decided that an FIR will not lead to automatic arrest. Only after proper investigation and verification will justice be served. The door to fair trial remains open to all.”

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Md. Tazul Islam, stated, “Baseless cases against journalists will not be taken into consideration. None of these cases will be tried in the tribunal. Everyone will have access to fair justice.”

Speaking at a recent event, Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury echoed the sentiment, saying, “Just because a case has been filed against a journalist doesn’t mean they must be arrested. We’ve already made it clear: no one will be arrested without a proper investigation.”

Meanwhile, on April 10, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) issued an official order stating that prior approval from higher authorities is required before arresting anyone accused in cases related to the anti-discrimination movement. The order emphasizes that since many of these cases have numerous accused, arrests must be based on strong evidence—such as testimony from victims, plaintiffs, eyewitnesses, related audio or video recordings, photographs, and mobile call data (CDR).

In this regard, DMP Joint Commissioner Faruq Hossain said, “We are working to ensure that no innocent person is harassed, and that the real perpetrators do not go unpunished.”