BNP leader sues Sarjis over alleged smear campaign in Gazipur journalist murder case

The case stems from allegations that the BNP was falsely linked to the killing of journalist Tuhin

A BNP leader in Gazipur has filed a defamation case against National Citizen Party leader Sarjis Alam, accusing him of spreading false allegations linking the party to the murder of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin.

Bason Thana BNP President Tanvir Siraj lodged the case with the Gazipur Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, seeking damages for what he called “irreparable” harm to the party’s image.

Siraj said Tuhin was killed for filming a criminal gang, but Sarjis, “without knowing the facts”, spread misinformation about the BNP for the attack in a Facebook post, damaging its reputation. Police have since identified the main culprits, finding no political link, he added.

Advocate Siddiqur Rahman, who is representing the plaintiff, said the CID has been instructed to investigate the case. The court will issue further orders after receiving the report.

On Aug 7, Sarjis wrote on his verified Facebook page that journalist Anwar Hossain was assaulted by "BNP activists" over reporting an extortion by a "BNP leader" and that Dainik Protidin reporter Tuhin was later murdered by “extortionist criminals” at a tea shop in Gazipur.

The next morning at 10:39am, he edited the post, replacing the term “extortionist” with “muggers”.

Siraj said the suit was filed on “party instructions” and he expects justice.