Assistant Commissioner (land) of Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila Abdullah-Al-Noman Sarkar, who reportedly confined eight journalists and threatened them with jailing, has been transferred from the district.
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ullah said the order came on Thursday night.
He said Al-Noman has been asked to join as the assistant commissioner (land) in Haripur upazila of Thakurgaon for the time being. The DC said that a departmental investigation will begin against Al-Noman if the high-ups give permission.
On Thursday, My TV and Daily Observer district correspondent Mahfuz Saju went to the office to collect information about public suffering. During that time, the office staff members got angry and tried to take away his mobile phone.
Then the AC land came to the spot and detained Mahfuz at around 12pm. On information, other journalists—went to the spot and protested the incident. But Al-Noman detained the journalists at the office for about 40 minutes and threatened to send them to jail.
On information, additional deputy commissioner for revenue TM Momin rushed to the spot, unlocked the office gate, and freed the journalists. Momin also assured them of taking necessary measures in coordination with the higher authorities.
Meanwhile, journalists staged demonstration blocking the Lalmonirhat-Burimari road in Mission Road area of Lalmonirhat town. Later, they called off their protest programme after being assured by deputy commissioner Mohammad Ullah of taking necessary action.
Press Club convener Anwar Hossain Shawpan said the transfer of the AC Land is an administrative process. He said they want the punishment of Al-Noman otherwise they will stage demonstration.
