A protest meeting was organized by the Chattogram district branch of the Bangladesh Rural Journalists’ Union (BMUJ) against the false and fabricated case filed against seven journalists, including Mehedi Hasan Riyad, in Khagrachhari. The protest also condemned the unjust arrest of four of them.

The meeting took place on Monday, March 17, at 12 PM, presided over by Chattogram district BMUJ President Shahidul Islam. Among those present were BMUJ Central Organizing Secretary Sohag Arefin, Hasan Al Mamun, the editor and publisher of Kaler Protichhobi, and other leaders of the Chattogram district branch of BMUJ.

Senior journalist and Kaler Protichhobi editor and publisher Hasan Al Mamun criticized the state of free media, stating that some so-called journalist syndicates have hijacked press freedom. He claimed that illegal brick kilns in Khagrachhari are being operated by these corrupt journalists, who use satellite channel banners for financial gains. He accused them of conspiring with the administration to frame independent journalists as extortionists, citing the current ordeal of the four detained journalists. He demanded their immediate unconditional release and the withdrawal of the false case against them.

BMUJ Central Organizing Secretary Sohag Arefin pointed out that the four journalists, along with three others who were not even present at the scene, became victims of a conspiracy by a few corrupt journalists in Khagrachhari. According to multiple reports, these false allegations were orchestrated by local administration officials and a small group of journalists affiliated with the Dighinala representative of Mohona Television, Alomgir, who is also a brick kiln owner. He further claimed that due to similar threats, more than two dozen journalists have been forced to leave Khagrachhari.

Sohag Arefin strongly condemned the false extortion charges against Mehedi and his fellow journalists, calling the case disgraceful. He warned that if the detained journalists are not released and the fabricated case is not withdrawn immediately, journalists across the country will launch a massive movement in protest.

During the meeting, Chattogram BMUJ leaders issued an ultimatum, demanding the release of the detained journalists and the withdrawal of the false case within 72 hours. Failing this, they announced plans to hold a human chain in front of the press club and submit a memorandum to the district commissioner.

The meeting was conducted by BMUJ Organizational Secretary Murad Hossain Biplob. Other attendees included BMUJ General Secretary Humayun Kabir Rabbi, Assistant Organizing Secretary Nurul Amin Sohel, Finance Secretary Md. Masud, Executive Members Jahirul Islam Babul and Nasir Uddin Liton, Kaler Protichhobi reporter Masudul Islam, and PBI 71 journalist Asif, among others.