A reporter of Daily Kalbela, Zafar Iqbal, has alleged that he was harassed and humiliated by police while attempting to file a General Diary (GD) at Chirirbandar Police Station in Dinajpur.
Zafar Iqbal said he first approached computer operator Md. Selim, who directed him to the duty officer, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Md. Akhtaruzzaman. However, the ASI allegedly sent him back to the operator again. After being made to go back and forth several times, he introduced himself as a journalist.
He claimed that after revealing his identity, ASI Akhtaruzzaman asked for his ID card and took it to his room. Sensing harassment, he called the station’s Inspector (Investigation), Ahsan Habib, to report the matter, which further escalated the situation.
At one stage, ASI Ashraful and Sub-Inspector (SI) Zahurul Haque also arrived at the scene. Shortly after, ASI Akhtaruzzaman allegedly grabbed him by the collar, tried to take him to the lockup, and seized his mobile phone.
“I was humiliated in front of everyone at the police station despite being a journalist. This is অত্যন্ত unfortunate and condemnable,” said the victim.
Following the incident, he informed his colleagues as well as local press club leaders. Based on their advice, he submitted a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Abdul Halim said, “After receiving the information, I visited the police station and spoke to both the পুলিশ members and the journalist. Necessary action will be taken against those involved based on the written complaint.”
