Case Filed Against Two Government Officials Over Assault on Female Journalist

In Gaibandha, a case has been filed against Executive Engineer Md. Belal Ahmed and Deputy Assistant Engineer Shishir Chandra Debnath of the Department of Public Education Engineering for allegedly assaulting and harassing a female journalist.

The information was confirmed on Wednesday (1 October) by OC Shaheenur Islam Talukdar, Officer-in-Charge of Gaibandha Sadar Police Station.

The complaint was lodged on Tuesday (30 September) by Disha Akter, district correspondent of the daily Muktakhabor, at Gaibandha Sadar Police Station under case number 49.

According to the FIR:

• On 24 September at noon, journalist Disha Akter visited the Department of Public Education Engineering to collect information and advertisements.
• She was accompanied by fellow journalists: Khairul Islam (Amar Shomoy), Shamim Reza (Dainik Banglar Kontho), and Abdur Muntakin Jewel (Dainik Bhorer Awaz).
• While her colleagues went to another room, Disha Akter entered the office of Deputy Assistant Engineer Shishir Chandra Debnath.
• After introducing herself and beginning work-related discussions, Debnath allegedly became agitated.
• He reportedly used obscene language, physically assaulted Disha Akter, and snatched her mobile phone.

Following the incident, Disha Akter filed a case naming both Executive Engineer Belal Ahmed and Deputy Assistant Engineer Shishir Chandra Debnath as accused.

Statements from the Accused

• Shishir Chandra Debnath stated: “I do not know anything about the case. I am currently on leave.”
• Belal Ahmed commented: “A case has been filed. We will also take legal steps in response.”

This case highlights growing concerns about the safety of female journalists while performing their duties, particularly when interacting with government officials.