Journalists demand Jisan's release, end to ‘harassment cases’

Journalists and rights activists today demanded the immediate release of Jannatul Ferdous Jisan, a reporter of online portal Press Narayanganj, who was arrested in a case filed over obstructing police and assaulting law enforcers.

They also called for the withdrawal of what they termed as "false and harassment-driven cases" against Jisan and his family.

The demand was made at a human chain held at the Central Shaheed Minar in Narayanganj, which started around 11:15am.

Journalists, political leaders, professionals, and civil society members joined the human chain.

Jisan was detained from his residence in the city's Shahidnagar area in the early hours of May 12, following a case filed over obstructing the arrest of former Narayanganj mayor Salina Hayat Ivy. His father and uncle, who were also named in the same case, were arrested that night and remain in custody.

Speakers at the programme claimed that Jisan, and food blogger Shawkat Mithun, were not even present during the incident.

"Police arrested them immediately after the case was filed, without proper investigation," they alleged.

They further claimed that his name was included in the case for personal gain, accusing the police of colluding in what they called "case business" — a tactic previously used by powerful local families.

"These harassment cases are nothing new to journalists. Attempts to silence the press have failed before and will fail again. The administration must act against those involved in this scheme," they added.

They questioned how people could be named as accused four days after the incident, despite police having surveillance and intelligence wings.

"Everyone in the city knows who threw bricks at the police van and detonated cocktails that day. Footage has been released by the media," they said.

Referring to the political changes following the August 5 uprising, speakers said, "We envisioned a reformed state with freedom of expression and press freedom at its core. But such arrests and false cases go against the spirit of the uprising."

Student leaders present at the event highlighted Jisan and Mithun's roles in the July movement.

Press Narayanganj editor Fakrul Islam presided the event and Ajker Patrika's district correspondent Sabit Al Hasan moderated it.

Among others, Narayanganj Press Club Vice-President Billal Hossain Robin, General Secretary Rafiqul Islam Jibon, former secretary Shorif Uddin Sabuj, Siddhirganj Thana Press Club president Hossain Chishti Siplu, and Fatullah Press Club president Abdur Rahim were also present.

Representatives from several socio-political groups expressed solidarity, including Shawkat Ali of NCP, researcher Mahbub Sumon, Farhana Manik Muna of Chhatro Federation, Saiful Islam of Chhatro Front, and Meherab Hossain Probhat of Students Against Discrimination.