A case has been filed in Jhikargachha, Jashore, against 37 individuals, including four journalists, accusing them of tarnishing the interim government’s image and engaging in subversive activities. The lawsuit was lodged on the evening of Tuesday, December 17, by Solaiman Hossain, a member of the Sechchasebok Dal and resident of Nawapara village in Jhikargachha.
The four journalists named in the case are: Abul Kalam Azad from Dainik Kalyan, Shah Jamal Shishir from Dainik Kalbela, Abu Said Milon from Dainik Spondon, and Ekramul Haque Khokon from Dainik Nawapara.
In reaction, leaders of the Jhikargachha Press Club condemned the lawsuit and demanded its withdrawal through a public statement.
The case names former Jhikargachha Municipal Mayor and General Secretary of the Upazila Awami League among the 37 accused, with an additional 50-60 unidentified individuals listed. Police have arrested two of the accused, Ehtesam Hamid Raju and Shaon Reza Khoka, and sent them to jail.
Allegations and Incident Details
According to the lawsuit, the accused are members of the Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League. The complaint claims that they have been involved in conspiratorial activities aimed at damaging the reputation of the current interim government.
On the evening of December 16, around 7 PM, the accused allegedly spray-painted “Joy Bangla” in red on a wall at the Jhikargachha Upazila Memorial. The act reportedly created public panic. When local leaders noticed the matter, they advised the plaintiff and his associates to remain vigilant.
The lawsuit further states that around 5 PM on December 17, while returning home after finishing some work, the plaintiff spotted the accused. Upon confronting them near the Joykrishnapur Jamtola intersection in Jhikargachha.
Following the incident, the matter was reported to the local police, who took action. Jhikargachha Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Babulur Rahman Khan told the media that the investigation is ongoing.
