Journalists demonstrate in Bangladesh against MP Dabirul’s lawsuit over bdnews24.com report

Journalists in Thakurgaon have demonstrated against the lawsuit started 'on false charges to harass' bdnews24.com over a report on the 'involvement' of local MP Dabirul Islam's men in grabbing land.

Thakurgaon Online Journalists' Association organised a human-chain protest at the town's Chourasta Morh on Thursday.

They threatened more agitation if Dabirul, the Thakurgaon-2 MP from ruling Awami League, do not withdraw the case against bdnews24.com editor-in-chief and district correspondent under the ICT Act.

Those who spoke at the demonstration included senior journalist and BTV's District Correspondent Akhter Hossain Raja, Daily Karotoa's District Correspondent Mansur Ali, The Daily Star's District Correspondent Qamrul Islam Rubayet, Thakurgaon Press Club General Secretary Lutfar Rahman Mithu, Ekushey TV Correspondent SM Jasim Udddin, Boishakhi TV Correspondent Fazle Islam Bulbul, Online Journalists' Association President Nabin Hasan, General Secretary Tanvir Hasan Tanu and cultural activist Masud Ahmed Subarna.

On Monday, the MP started the case over the report published on Nov 26.

One Dipen Paul was accused in the report of trying to forcibly grab a neighbour's land.

Dipen had admitted to bdnews24.com that the MP's men were with him when he went to take control of the land at Amjankhor of Goaltuli in Baliadangi Upazila on that day.

The report quoted him as making the acknowledgement.

The MP did not send a rejoinder before initiating the case.