Bangladesh: Journalist from minority community arrested in Khagrachhari

A Correspondent, Khagrachhari

Pradip Chowdhury, a journalist from minority community and president of the Khagrachari Journalist Union and district correspondent for the daily Samakal was arrested on Friday afternoon.

He was taken into custody while returning home from an event in the district town.

Since the political shift on August 5, Chowdhury has faced five separate cases filed against him at various police stations, including Khagrachari Sadar, Manikchhari, Panchhari, and Dighinala.

Four of these cases were lodged by BNP leaders and activists, alleging offenses such as attacks on party members and vandalism of BNP offices said a senior journalist from Khagrachhari.

Additionally, he has been implicated in a case stemming from a clash with anti-discrimination student protesters on August 4, the journalist added.

Chowdhury has a long-standing career in journalism, serving as a correspondent for both the daily Samakal and Suprabhat Bangladesh.

He also leads the local chapters of the Safe Roads Movement and the Khagrachari Environmental Protection Movement.

Notably, six other journalists from Khagrachari have also been implicated in these cases.

Journalists from Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban have vehemently condemned Chowdhury’s arrest, calling for his immediate release.

They stressed that detaining any journalist without a proper investigation undermines press freedom and the integrity of the media.

This incident highlights the urgent need for safeguards to protect journalists’ rights and ensure accountability in such actions.