Two NCP leaders accused of obstructing journalists in Rajshahi

Two leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) have been accused of obstructing news coverage, issuing threats and misbehaving with journalists during a press conference in Rajshahi on Monday. The incident occurred inside a room at the Tourism Motel.

On Saturday, the NCP announced a 114-member district committee for Rajshahi, appointing Saiful Islam as convener. Since then, several party members have been protesting, labelling Saiful a “supporter of the Awami League.” Against this backdrop, the newly formed committee arranged a press conference this afternoon at the motel.

While Saiful Islam was speaking, two NCP leaders entered the room and ordered journalists to stop live coverage and pack up their cameras and equipment. They also behaved aggressively with the journalists.

Chaos broke out in the room, and Saiful’s supporters protested against the behaviour. They forced the disruptive NCP members out of the motel. Tensions continued outside, and for safety reasons, journalists eventually left the scene, after which some party activists chanted slogans against Saiful Islam.

Journalists working in Rajshahi condemned the incident and demanded punishment for those involved.

Saiful Islam said the two individuals who entered the room and spoke offensively to journalists were Shoaib Ahmed, joint member secretary of the National Youth Force’s metropolitan committee, and Mehedi Hasan Farabi, chief organiser. He said the matter has been reported to the central leadership for action against them.