Kurigram Nationalist Lawyers Forum President and BNP leader Advocate Fakhrul Islam has been accused of threatening Bangla Tribune's Kurigram correspondent Ariful Islam Regan over a news report.
The threat reportedly came during a phone call at around 10:15pm on Tuesday, following Regan's report on the alleged vandalism of the newly appointed public prosecutor’s (PP) office at the district lawyers’ building.
The vandalism allegedly stemmed from anger over Fakhrul not being appointed as PP. An audio recording of the phone call has been preserved, reports Bangla Tribune.
In the phone call, Fakhrul is said to have used offensive language. "What do you think of me? No matter how great a reporter you are, I don’t care... I am also a professional. I am an advocate. Keep that in mind. How many days have you been a journalist? You’re reporting on me!"
On Tuesday afternoon, Advocate Fakhrul Islam and his supporters allegedly vandalized the office of newly appointed PP Advocate Bazlur Rashid in the lawyers’ building, known as the "Red House."
Kurigram Sadar police station later visited the scene.
Journalist Regan captured video footage of the incident, which reportedly shows Fakhrul Islam leading the vandalism.
When contacted for a comment, Fakhrul allegedly demanded an apology and asked Regan to revise the report.
In the phone conversation, Fakhrul reportedly threatened to file a lawsuit, saying: “You will correct this report, or I will file a case against you.”
When Regan sought clarification about the alleged vandalism, Fakhrul became agitated, accusing Regan of extortion and yellow journalism.
Regan responded firmly, stating: “I reported the information I obtained ethically. My office reviewed and published it. If you want to take action, I will accept it respectfully. However, you cannot threaten me in this manner.”
Advocate Bazlur Rashid, the newly appointed PP of Kurigram District Sessions and Judge Court, alleged that Fakhrul and his supporters stormed into his private office on Tuesday afternoon, vandalizing furniture and throwing his table outside. He identified advocates Safiqul Islam, Ashraf Ali, and Altafur as accomplices.
“This behaviour is uncivilized and unacceptable. Fakhrul acted in a commando-like manner. I will take legal action,” Bazlur Rashid said.
The district bar lawyers expressed outrage and condemned Fakhrul Islam’s alleged actions, describing them as unbecoming of a legal professional.
Attempts to contact Advocate Fakhrul Islam for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful.
