Defamation Suit Filed Against Seven Journalists in Bhola

A legal action initiated under the Cyber Security Act against seven prominent journalists and a political official has sparked significant controversy in Char Fasson, Bhola. The lawsuit was filed by Motahar Hossain Alamgir Maltia, the former (and subsequently expelled) General Secretary of the local wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The disclosure of the legal proceedings has triggered widespread condemnation across social media platforms and prompted a formal protest from the local press corps.

The case was originally lodged at the Barishal Cyber Crime Tribunal on 28 April. Following an initial review, the court officially recorded the complaint and issued instructions for the relevant authorities to initiate a formal investigation into the allegations.

Identification of the Accused

The defendants named in the legal filing comprise the senior leadership of the Char Fasson Press Club, alongside a local politician. The individuals cited in the case include:

• Zulfiqar Mahamud Niaz, President of the Char Fasson Press Club.

• Kamal Goldar, General Secretary.

• Jamal Molla, Joint General Secretary.

• Noman Sikdar, Joint General Secretary.

• Saiful Islam Mukul, Secretary for Publicity and Publication.

• Abu Siddique, Executive Member.

• Aminul Islam, Executive Member.

• Kazi Monjur Hossain, the former Organisational Secretary of the Upazila BNP.

The inclusion of nearly the entire executive committee of the local press club has been viewed by media advocates as a significant escalation in the use of cyber legislation against the regional press.

Origins of the Legal Dispute

According to the affected journalists, the lawsuit is not an isolated legal matter but rather a retaliatory measure. They contend that the litigation is “purposefully motivated” and stems from a recent public disagreement involving Mr Maltia.

The journalists allege that during a formal introductory meeting hosted by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Mr Maltia made derogatory remarks regarding the integrity and conduct of local media professionals. In response to these comments, the members of the Char Fasson Press Club staged a formal protest, defending the reputation of their colleagues and demanding an apology. The journalists maintain that the filing of the Cyber Security Act case is an attempt to suppress their criticism and penalise them for their public opposition to his remarks.

In a collective statement, the accused journalists warned that if the “baseless” case is not withdrawn immediately, they will be forced to launch a series of rigorous protest programmes to safeguard the freedom of the press in the region.

Official and Procedural Status

The Cyber Security Act, which replaced the controversial Digital Security Act, remains a focal point of debate in Bangladesh regarding its application in defamation and digital conduct cases. Under the current legal framework, once a tribunal records a case and directs action, the local police are mandated to conduct a preliminary inquiry or record it as a formal First Information Report (FIR).

Mahamud Al Farid, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Char Fasson Police Station, confirmed to the media that the department is aware of the tribunal’s directive. He stated:

“Following the court’s instructions, the case is currently under process.”

The local police are expected to examine the digital evidence and statements provided by the complainant before proceeding with further legal steps.

Impact on the Media Landscape

The incident has caused a “storm of condemnation” within the journalist community in Bhola and the wider Barishal Division. Media rights organisations have frequently cited such cases as examples of “legal harassment” used to intimidate rural journalists who report on the conduct of political figures.

As of early May 2026, the Char Fasson Press Club remains in a state of high alert. The leadership has indicated that they are seeking legal counsel to quash the proceedings at the tribunal level. Meanwhile, local civil society members have expressed concern over the heightening tensions between political actors and the press, noting that such disputes often hinder the flow of transparent information to the public.

The case remains pending, with the Barishal Cyber Crime Tribunal awaiting the initial investigative report from the law enforcement agencies in Char Fasson.