Journalist assaulted while collecting info, mobile phone snatched in Chilmari
Chilmari (Kurigram) Correspondent
Journalist Habibur Rahman Habib was assaulted while gathering information regarding allegations of irregularities in meat distribution by Zakat Foundation of America in Chilmari during the holy Eid-ul-Adha.
At that time, those involved in the foundation’s meat distribution forcibly took away the journalist’s mobile phone, cash, and necessary vehicle documents.
Upon receiving the news, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Chilmari police assisted in his rescue; however, the seized items were not recovered. In connection with this incident, journalist Habibur Rahman filed a complaint at Chilmari Police Station. The journalist community strongly condemned the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of those involved.
According to the written complaint, on the day of Eid, the Zakat Foundation of America distributed meat to the destitute and underprivileged people in the Raninagar Bazaar area of Chilmari Upazila, Kurigram. Although the foundation carried out the distribution, allegations of irregularities emerged. Based on such reports, journalist Habibur Rahman visited the scene, where locals and beneficiaries raised complaints about the irregularities, which he recorded on video.
According to the written complaint, on the day of Eid, the Zakat Foundation of America distributed meat to the destitute and underprivileged people in the Raninagar Bazaar area of Chilmari Upazila, Kurigram. Although the foundation carried out the distribution, allegations of irregularities emerged. Based on such reports, journalist Habibur Rahman visited the scene, where locals and beneficiaries raised complaints about the irregularities, which he recorded on video.
Later, when he discussed the matter with those involved in the distribution, several individuals, including Rezaul Karim, Shahin Mia, Aminul Islam, and Ashraful, became aggressive. They attacked him, physically assaulted him, and snatched his cash, motorcycle documents, and mobile phone, confining him in a room at Raninagar Bazaar High School. After receiving the information, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Officer-in-Charge of Chilmari Model Police Station reached the location and rescued the journalist.
Victim journalist Habibur Rahman stated, "Based on locals' complaints, I was discussing the issue of irregularities with Rezaul Karim, who was involved in the distribution. He, along with Shahin Mia, Aminul, and 10-12 others, attacked and assaulted me. They confiscated my mobile phone, money, and vehicle documents and confined me in a school room. They even threatened to kill and disappear me after the distribution was completed. Later, I was rescued by Chilmari police with the support of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer. I have filed a complaint regarding this matter at the police station."
Regarding the incident, Chilmari Model Police Station OC Abdur Rahim said , we have received the complaint and will take action after investigation."
Chilmari UNO Sabuj Kumar Basak said, "Legal actions will be taken."
Victim journalist Habibur Rahman stated, "Based on locals' complaints, I was discussing the issue of irregularities with Rezaul Karim, who was involved in the distribution. He, along with Shahin Mia, Aminul, and 10-12 others, attacked and assaulted me. They confiscated my mobile phone, money, and vehicle documents and confined me in a school room. They even threatened to kill and disappear me after the distribution was completed. Later, I was rescued by Chilmari police with the support of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer. I have filed a complaint regarding this matter at the police station."
Regarding the incident, Chilmari Model Police Station OC Abdur Rahim said , we have received the complaint and will take action after investigation."
Chilmari UNO Sabuj Kumar Basak said, "Legal actions will be taken."
