Journalists formed a human chain today (5 October) in front of the Chattogram Press Club, demanding withdrawal of “false” cases filed against them by Anisuzzaman Ronny, the brother of former land minister Saifuzzaman Jabed.
The hour-long event began around 12:00pm and ended with a rally.
Speakers at the event called for a trial and re-investigation into the kidnapping of local journalist Golam Sarwar and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved. Both Golam Sarwar and his wife shared their harrowing experiences.
Bangladeshi Journalist in International Media (BJIM) Convener Sam Jahan, Chattogram Pratidin Editor Hossain Toufiq Iftikhar, The Business Standard’s Chittagong bureau chief Shamsuddin Ilyas and senior reporter Omar Farooq, senior reporter Subal Barua of Protidin Bangladesh, Purbodesh staff reporter MA Hossain, among others, were present.
Persecuted journalist Golam Sarwar expressed his frustration, stating, “I have not received justice even in four years. At the suggestion of influential quarters, the case filed by me in this matter was dismissed based on a fabricated investigation report. Far from getting justice, I myself became a defendant in the case.”
On 9 December 2020, Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, brother of former Awami League government lands minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and Chairman of UCB Bank, Anisuzzaman Chowdhury Ronny filed two defamation complaints in separate Chattogram courts against three individuals including publisher Ayan Sharma and local journalist Golam Sarwar, making Hossain Toufiq Iftikhar, the editor of Dainik Chattogram Protidin, the main accused.
