Narail, Bangladesh – A journalist from Bangladesh’s Prothom Alo newspaper, Raju Sheikh, has reported receiving threats after covering the vandalism of a memorial and mural at Narail Government Victoria College. The incident, which took place on January 25, has raised serious concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in the country.

Sheikh filed a general diary (GD) with the Narail Sadar Police Station on Monday night, detailing the threats. According to the GD, Sheikh’s report on the vandalism was published on Prothom Alo’s online platform at 10:30 PM. Shortly afterward, at 11:25 PM, he received a call from an unidentified individual, who verbally abused him and threatened to implicate him in a false legal case over the news coverage.

In a statement, Sheikh described the incident as a direct attack on democratic values and freedom of expression. “I was performing my professional duties when I was threatened. This is not just an assault on me personally but a blow to the rule of law and democracy. My family and I are now living in fear, and I urge the authorities to take swift action against those responsible,” he said.

Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that the matter is under investigation. “A GD has been filed, and we are treating the incident with seriousness. Necessary actions will be taken following the investigation,” said Sajedul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Narail Sadar Police Station.

The threats have sparked outrage among journalists in the region, with many calling for urgent intervention to protect media freedom. Mahbubur Rashid, Member Secretary of the Narail Press Club, condemned the threats, stating, “If anyone has grievances about published news, there are proper legal avenues to address them. Threatening a journalist personally is a criminal act and a direct attack on press freedom. We demand a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.”

This incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of journalist safety in Bangladesh. Advocacy groups and media organizations stress that such threats create a chilling effect, silencing critical voices and undermining the public’s right to access information. Press freedom remains a cornerstone of democratic societies, and any attempts to suppress it must be met with firm and decisive action.

The attack on Sheikh highlights the growing challenges faced by journalists in Bangladesh and underscores the urgent need to protect their rights and ensure a safe environment for independent reporting.