Journalists Threatened and Obstructed at Feni 'March for Insaf'; Jaber Throws Challenge over Microphone

Journalists covering the 'March for Insaf' programme in Feni have alleged threats, harassment and obstruction of their professional work by leaders and activists of Inqilab Mancha. After the complaint was reported, the organisation's convener Abdullah Al Jaber instead threw a challenge at the journalists over the microphone, the victims said.

The incidents took place on Sunday (November 1) afternoon during the Inqilab Mancha programme held from Mahipal in Feni town to the Central Shaheed Minar.

Media workers alleged that while they were gathering news at the programme, one Inqilab Mancha leader told the journalists: 'I have beaten hundreds of journalists in the country. I faced a case for beating Munni Saha. Who are you? Let me see how many of you can come.'

Such remarks created anger among the journalists present. Journalists Tanzid Shuvo, SH Tipu and M Kawsar, along with others, reported the matter to Inqilab Mancha convener Abdullah Al Jaber.

The victims alleged that after hearing the complaint, Abdullah Al Jaber said loudly over the microphone at the Central Shaheed Minar: 'You will make trouble — let me see how much trouble you can make. Come and make trouble with me.' He also allegedly raised his finger and threw a challenge at the journalists at that time.

Journalist Tanzid Shuvo alleged: 'On the way from Mahipal to Feni town while gathering news, a woman activist of Inqilab Mancha rushed at me. At one stage she pushed me and pushed away the boom of 'Feni Pratya' (a media outlet). This obstructed my news gathering work.'

Media worker SH Tipu alleged that while he was broadcasting live, one of the Inqilab Mancha leaders and activists who had come from Dhaka threw away his mobile camera.

Meanwhile, another person allegedly rushed at media worker M Kawsar while he was recording video and attempted to attack him.

The journalists concerned said photos and video footage of these incidents are with the media workers. They also said the footage captured various parts of the incidents and convener Abdullah Al Jaber's remarks delivered over the microphone.

The journalists alleged that gathering news at a political programme is their professional duty. If a question or news recording is disliked, there is an opportunity to protest, but physically obstructing, throwing away cameras or issuing threats is worrying for the environment of independent journalism.

Anger has arisen among local media workers over journalists themselves facing threats and harassment at a programme organised to demand justice and fairness.

No comment was available on the matter from Inqilab Mancha convener Abdullah Al Jaber or the accused leaders and activists.