Kaler Kantho journalist gets 10 days jail for seeking info about irregularities in Tala
Shamim Khan, Tala (Satkhira)
A mobile court in Tala, Satkhira, has sentenced Rokonuzzaman Tipu, Upazila Correspondent of the daily Kaler Kantho to 10 days in jail.
Tala UNO and Executive Magistrate Sheikh Md. Russell delivered the verdict on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the information received, journalist Rokonuzzaman Tipu went to collect information about irregularities and corruption in the construction of the Tala Upazila Parishad Complex building.
At this time, Deputy Assistant Engineer MM Mamun Alam of the Tala Upazila Engineering Department refused to provide information, so he had an argument with the journalist. At one point, when the journalist asked "Who is to know?", a scuffle broke out between the two.
When both parties reported the incident to the Tala Upazila Executive Officer, he gave this verdict after taking the testimonies of the workers and locals present on the spot.
Tala Deputy Assistant Engineer MM Mamun Alam said, when I was supervising the work of the Upazila Complex Bhavan, when journalist Tipu Sultan asked how much cement, sand and gravel he was giving, I asked him to count it.
Then he came to beat me. When I informed the Upazila Executive Officer, he came to the ground and after taking the testimony of everyone present, sentenced journalist Tipu Sultan to 10 days in prison.
Journalist Tipu Sultan said, I went there to collect information based on the news that the quality of work was deteriorating, gravel mixed with mud was being given, and less cement was being given. At that time, Deputy Assistant Engineer MM Mamun Alam did not cooperate with me in any way and said, "Who are you to know" and then started beating me with an umbrella. When I tried to stop him, a fight broke out.
Tala Upazila Engineer Rathindra Nath Halder said, I was out on office work at that time. When I returned to the office, I heard that the Deputy Assistant Engineer of my office had been beaten up.
Tala UNO Sheikh Md. Russell said, "I received news that one of my officials was beaten up by a journalist. After going to the scene and taking the testimonies of the workers present, the incident was proven to be true. Therefore, he was sentenced to 10 days in prison under Section 176."
Tala Press Club President MM Hakim, General Secretary Joaddar Faruk Hossain and journalists on duty in Tala condemned and protested the incident.
Mofussil Journalist Forum, Tala branch, has announced a human chain program in this regard.
