A wave of concern and outrage has spread across Cumilla after journalists faced threats in two separate incidents on the same day involving a Member of Parliament and detained drug dealers.
In Nangalkot, Cumilla-10 lawmaker Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan allegedly made threatening and insulting remarks toward local journalists during a meeting organized with members of different journalist groups.
During the discussion, the MP reportedly said:
“If I do not want, no one will be able to continue journalism. Things will run the way I want.”
He also allegedly warned a senior local journalist that he could be removed from his professional responsibilities.
A video clip of the MP’s remarks later went viral on Facebook, triggering widespread criticism on social media and among journalist communities.
On the same day in Debidwar, three alleged drug dealers arrested with yaba tablets reportedly threatened journalists while inside the police station.
According to journalists present at the scene, the detainees said:
“We will meet very soon.”
The incident created tension inside the station and raised serious concerns regarding the safety and freedom of journalists in the district.
The back-to-back incidents have sparked condemnation from local journalists and civil society members, who described the threats as alarming attacks on press freedom and professional safety.
