Barguna Sadar Correspondent

Allegations of unauthorized processing of volume books and official records on a public holiday have surfaced against the District Sub-Registrar's Office in Barguna, where journalists were reportedly obstructed and harassed while attempting to gather information.

The incident occurred around 11:45 AM on Saturday (August 8) at the sub-registrar's office located in the Puran Thana area of Barguna municipality.

According to Asad Sabuj, the Barguna correspondent for Dainik Kalbela, he received a tip-off that official activities were underway at the office on a government holiday. He visited the site alongside Boishakhi Television correspondent Russel Sikder, Bangla Tribune correspondent Ibrahim Sohel, Dainik Amar Songbad correspondent Kashem Howlader, and Dainik Dhaka News correspondent Julhas Mia.

Upon arrival, the journalists found the entrance gate open and proceeded to the transcript section on the third floor. They reported seeing 25 to 30 contractual employees handling official volume books and documents. When contacted over the phone, District Registrar Swadesh Chanda Chandra claimed he was unaware of any official documents being processed on a holiday.

As the journalists began filming the scene, Bashar Khan, a master-roll employee at the Sadar Upazila court unit who identified himself as an assistant secretary of the district Chhatra Dal, allegedly intervened and obstructed their reporting. The journalists accused Bashar of making threats, attempting physical assault, and falsely branding them as extorters affiliated with a specific political party before co-workers stepped in to restrain him.

When questioned about the legality of handling official volumes on a public holiday, the record keeper in charge reportedly admitted to the journalists that the activity was an irregularity.

Addressing the matter, District Registrar Swadesh Chanda Chandra reiterated that he holds no authority to permit work on official volumes during public holidays. "There is no scope to handle volume books on a government holiday without authorization. The matter is being investigated," he added.

Local journalists have strongly condemned the obstruction of their professional duties and demanded a thorough investigation into both the harassment and the unauthorized holiday activities at the sub-registrar’s office.