Journalist Safique Shimul has allegedly been threatened after taking photos of dogs sitting on a beef-cutting table at Patgati Bazar in Tungipara upazila of Gopalganj.
Shimul works as the Tungipara upazila correspondent for the daily Bhorer Kagoj. He said that around 9pm on 19 November, he went to the market on personal errands and saw several dogs sitting on the wooden block used for cutting meat. Considering it a public health risk, he took photos and video on his phone and informed local meat seller Shafik Khan. Shafik requested that he not publish any news on the matter and claimed he would alert other butchers.
The journalist added that on Thursday evening, Shafik called him to the market “for tea”, where several meat traders were present. There, a butcher named Mizan Biswas from Gimadanga village became agitated and told him not to “play tricks” in the market and never to take such photos again. Mizan and others then allegedly threatened him and tried to mistreat him.
Regular customer Dukhu Sheikh said dogs sitting on meat-cutting tables is extremely unhygienic and could spread disease. Another customer, Rubel Talukdar, said the journalist acted in the public interest and it is unfortunate he was threatened.
Patgati Bazar Traders’ Committee convener Marfudur Rahman said unsanitary food sales are unacceptable and any misbehaviour towards journalists is also wrong. He said the matter is being taken seriously and traders will be warned, with strict action taken if necessary.
Tungipara Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Tanvir Ahmed warned that dogs carry bacteria and viruses such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can contaminate meat and cause diarrhoea, food poisoning and typhoid.
