A journalist was detained after an argument with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) inLalmonirhat allegedly for the possession of a bottle of phensedyl. There is allegation that he wasindiscriminately beaten up by the BGB members. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) expresses deepconcern regarding the incident and strongly demands measures to be taken against thoseresponsible following an impartial investigation.

According to media reports, on the night of 15 April, Jahangir Alam Shaheen (48), acorrespondent for Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and Daily Janakantha, was picked upfrom Kulaghat Bailey Bridge area of Kulaghat Union in Lalmonirhat. He was handed over to thepolice station from the BGB Kulaghat camp by the BGB Battalion with his hands cuffed and arope tied around his waist. According to the police, Jahangir was detained in a case of drugsmuggling filed by the BGB. After he was presented at the court, he was granted bail consideringthe COVID-19 situation and for the treatment of his health. His family members have claimedthat after Jahangir had an argument with BGB members, he was taken to the Kulaghat BGBcamp where he was beaten up mercilessly. He was then put in handcuffs and bound by a ropebefore being handed over to the police. They further claimed that before this, the handcuffedJahangir was made to stand in front of a desk, where a bottle of phensedyl was placed, andphotographed. Besides, a doctor has confirmed that various parts of Jahangir’s body showedinjury marks.

ASK finds the way Jahangir’s photograph was taken—handcuffed and bound by a rope—to beextremely degrading. ASK expresses serious condemnation against this reprehensible incident.Moreover, ASK believes that the allegations of torture raised by the family, is extremely seriouswhich necessitates an immediate and impartial investigation. ASK also demands legal steps to betaken against those responsible on finding the credibility of the allegations through aninvestigation.

Can’t see? Please click here to open PDF file.