Allegations have emerged against Chandina Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Faisal Al Noor for ordering two journalists to be handcuffed and sent to the police station over recording a video at his office in Cumilla. The incident took place on Wednesday (April 1) দুপুর at the Chandina Land Office and has triggered widespread criticism.
The victims were identified as Russel Sarker, Debidwar correspondent of Daily Manabzamin, and Abdul Alim, Debidwar correspondent of the online news portal Face the People.
According to Abdul Alim, he had been facing delays for nearly a year regarding a land mutation (namjari) issue involving his cousin. Wednesday was scheduled for the hearing, and he went to the land office along with fellow journalist Russel Sarker.
Alim said that when they asked the AC Land whether the hearing would take place, he became agitated and behaved rudely. As Alim attempted to record the interaction on his mobile phone, the officer allegedly became enraged.
It is alleged that the AC Land tried to seize the phone, and when Alim resisted, he called the police and ordered both journalists to be handcuffed and taken to the police station. Police later arrived and carried out the आदेश.
Alim further claimed that at the police station, his phone was forcibly taken, unlocked while he was handcuffed, and all photos and videos were deleted. The journalists were later released after being compelled to sign a bond stating they would not pursue the matter further.
In response, AC Land Faisal Al Noor stated that the journalists were taken to the station for recording video inside his office and obstructing official duties.
Officer-in-Charge of Chandina Police Station, Atikur Rahman, said that the পুলিশ acted on the orders of an executive magistrate and had no independent role in the matter.
Meanwhile, a photo of the two journalists in handcuffs has gone viral on social media, drawing strong condemnation. Journalists in Cumilla have expressed anger over the incident.
Cumilla Press Club President Kazi Enamul Haque Faruk said journalists are the conscience of society and must be allowed to work freely. If any wrongdoing occurs, legal action can be taken through proper channels, but handcuffing journalists is unacceptable and deeply hurtful.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Cumilla, Md. Saiful Islam, said the administration is aware of the matter and feels embarrassed. He added that further details are being gathered and necessary action will be taken after consulting higher authorities.
