Two Journalists Allegedly Harassed at NSTU

Two campus journalists were allegedly physically harassed and had video footage deleted from their mobile phones while covering a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU). The journalists alleged that several JCD activists obstructed them while they were performing their professional duties, seized their mobile phones and deleted recorded footage.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 3:30am on Tuesday (August 18) near Bir Muktijoddha Abdul Malek Ukil Hall and the Pocket Gate area of the university. The two journalists allegedly harassed were HumanJin’s NSTU correspondent Mahi Chiddiki Siam and Protidiner Sangbad’s NSTU correspondent Mehedi Hasan.

According to the allegations, JCD activists Atik Hasan of the 17th batch of the Department of Bangla, Tanvir Bhuiyan of the 18th batch of the Department of Economics, Khan Mohammad Romman of the 19th batch of the Department of Law, Faisal Hossain of the 18th batch of the Department of Physics, and MKM Akram Khan of the 18th batch of the Department of Agriculture allegedly assaulted the journalists and seized their mobile phones during the incident.

Mahi Chiddiki Siam alleged that he was pushed and assaulted around the neck and forced to unlock his mobile phone, after which his recorded video footage was deleted. Mehedi Hasan, who was present at the scene, was also allegedly harassed.

According to reports, tension and a clash broke out between two factions of JCD at Abdul Malek Ukil Hall late Tuesday night. Supporters of the president-general secretary faction and the senior vice-president faction reportedly chased each other. The journalists went to the scene to cover the incident as part of their professional duties.

HumanJin correspondent Mahi Chiddiki Siam said, “I heard sounds of fighting, shouting and screaming from the rooftop of the hall and went there to see what was happening. Shortly after I arrived, the lights suddenly went out. When I tried to turn them on, Romman from the Law Department, 2019-20 session, and another person pushed me.”

He further said, “Then I saw the president-secretary group chasing the senior vice-president group and coordinator Zahid, taking them down from the hall and out through the university’s Pocket Gate. I followed them to observe the situation and was recording video there. At that point, Romman, Atik from Bangla 17, Tanvir from Economics 18 and Faisal from Physics 18 surrounded me.”

Mahi Chiddiki Siam alleged, “Romman pushed me, struck me around the neck and asked me to show my mobile phone. Even though the phone was switched off, they forcibly made me unlock it and deleted the video footage on the phone. They then checked WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Facebook and other social media applications to determine whether I had sent the video anywhere. After deleting everything, they released me and told me not to report the incident.”

Protidiner Sangbad correspondent Mehedi Hasan said that a scuffle broke out among JCD activists. When he and his colleague Mahi attempted to record the incident for news gathering, JCD activist Faisal Hossain allegedly took their mobile phones and told them to stop recording. He then allegedly pushed both journalists away from the scene.

The journalists have alleged obstruction and harassment while performing their professional duties. The affected journalists have also demanded a fair investigation and organisational action against those involved.

Nahidul Islam, president of the NSTU Journalists’ Association, said, “Two campus journalists working at NSTU have been attacked. Both are members of the NSTU Journalists’ Association. We will submit a complaint to the university administration. We strongly demand an environment where journalists can work at the university without fear or intimidation.”

Hasibul Hossain, general secretary of the NSTU JCD unit, said, “I am not aware of these matters. I also do not know the details. However, I can look into the matter properly and comment.”

NSTU Proctor Professor A F M Arifur Rahman said, “Everyone on the hall provost body has been informed about the matter, and the university administration has also been notified. Everyone is aware of it. The Ansar members have been asked to remain alert, and we are calling a meeting of the proctorial body. I have also spoken with the president of the journalists’ association regarding the harassment of journalists. If a formal complaint is submitted, necessary action will be taken according to university rules.”

//DBTech/SHM/MIS//