Journalist threatened with leg amputation for seeking information in Magura

A journalist in Magura has alleged that an employee of the Department of Public Health Engineering verbally abused him, threatened to cut off his leg and threatened to harass him with a lawsuit after he sought information about a complaint of irregularities. S M Shimul Rana, Magura district correspondent of Dainik Manabkantho and Asian TV, filed a general diary (GD) with Magura Sadar Police Station seeking security.

In the GD filed with Magura Sadar Police Station on Wednesday, September 16, Shimul Rana stated that as part of his professional duties, he contacted Md Rezaul Islam Pizza, an employee of the Department of Public Health Engineering, over mobile phone to seek information and the concerned person's statement regarding a complaint. Instead of providing information or a statement on the complaint, Rezaul Islam verbally abused him and at one point threatened to cut off his leg and file a case, according to the GD.

Journalist Shimul Rana said, "I called him only to get his statement regarding a complaint. I did not say anything personal. But instead of providing any information about the complaint, he threatened and intimidated me in various ways. He even threatened to cut off my leg and file a case. I am feeling insecure because of this."

He also said an audio recording of the incident is in the possession of journalists.

Several journalists who listened to the audio said the conversation contains obscene language directed at the journalist.

Mokhlesur Rahman, Magura district correspondent of RTV and Amader Shomoy, said, "A journalist can seek information on any matter as part of his professional duty. Threatening or abusing him for seeking information is in no way acceptable. We, on behalf of the journalist community, condemn and protest this incident. At the same time, we demand an investigation and necessary action."

The Magura correspondent of Bangladesh Pratidin and News24 said, "Speaking to a journalist in such language is in no way desirable. He can seek information as part of his duty. We condemn and protest this incident. We request the police administration to investigate the allegation of threats or intimidation and take action as per law."

Md Yunus Ali, Magura correspondent of Star News, said, "The incident is condemnable. I have listened to the audio recording. Extremely obscene language can be heard there. We condemn and protest this incident."

Md Rezaul Islam Pizza, an employee of the Department of Public Health Engineering, said, "That journalist's home is in my area. I do not know why he is doing these things. All BNP leaders have called him. Still, he is not stopping." Regarding the call recording, he said, "This has been made with AI. I did not have any conversation with that journalist."

Magura Additional Superintendent of Police Thandar Khairul Islam said, "We have listened to the audio recording. A general diary has been filed at the police station in this regard. Legal action will be taken after investigation."