Chhatra Dal activist files case against 7 journalists under cyber law in Chattogram
The case has sparked discussion among journalists, as it is widely seen as the first cyber law case filed against journalists during the tenure of the BNP-led government.
A case has been filed against seven journalists in Chattogram under the Cyber Security Ordinance, placing a former coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination movement at the centre of fresh controversy barely a month and a half after he joined Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the ruling BNP.
The case was lodged yesterday afternoon (12 March) with the Chattogram Cyber Tribunal, presided over by Judge Kazi Mizanur Rahman.
The complainant, Md Riduan alias Riduan Siddiqui, previously identified himself as a central coordinator of Students Against Discrimination. He is the son of Abdur Rahim from Nanupur in Fatikchhari.
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Seven journalists have been named as accused in the case: Chattogram Protidin Editor Hossain Thoufique Ifthekher; Jugantor Chattogram Bureau Chief Shahidullah Shahriar; Samakal Senior Associate Editor Nasir Uddin Haider; former senior vice-president of the Chattogram Union of Journalists Ratan Kanti Debashish; Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Joint Secretary General Mohsin Kazi; Chattogram Union of Journalists General Secretary and Ajker Patrika Chattogram Bureau Chief Sabur Shuvo; and Channel i Chattogram Bureau Chief Chowdhury Farid.
They have been accused under Sections 26(1) and 26(2) of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, which deal with incitement of religious or ethnic hatred in cyberspace, under which they can be sentenced to a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The case alleges that the journalists reacted sarcastically to one of Riduan's Facebook posts and bullied him, causing him to feel a security risk. Riduan also alleged that hatred is being spread against him.
The case has sparked discussion among journalists, as it is widely seen as the first cyber law case filed against journalists during the tenure of the BNP-led government.
Earlier tensions with journalists
The development comes days after Chattogram Protidin Editor Hossain Thoufique Ifthekher filed a general diary with Kotwali Police Station seeking security.
In the complaint, he alleged that on 5 March, a group led by Riduan Siddiqui created a mob and attacked professional journalists during a meeting with Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan at the Chattogram Circuit House.
The GD said that despite not being associated with journalism, Riduan allegedly led the attack. It also claimed that after the incident, he and his associates spread defamatory content about the journalist on social media and issued threats of physical assault.
Political affiliation
On 15 January this year, Riduan Siddiqui and several others joined Chhatra Dal at the Fatikchhari upazila BNP office. At the time, Sarwar Alamgir, a newly elected MP from Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) whose election result has been stayed by court order, welcomed them with flower garlands.
Chattogram North District Chhatra Dal General Secretary Sarwar Hossain Rubel was also present.
Since then, several sources say Riduan has been identifying himself as a follower of State Minister for Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal.
Allegations of previous violence
Riduan Siddiqui has also faced earlier allegations of involvement in violent incidents.
On 1 July last year, a mob led by him allegedly took a Chhatra League leader to Patiya Police Station, where he was assaulted in front of police officers. During the incident, a group attempted to break through the security cordon and enter the station, leading to a scuffle with police.
At least four police members, including Patiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abu Zahed Mohammad Nazmun Noor, were reportedly injured. Protesters later blocked the Chattogram–Cox's Bazar highway.
Journalists have also alleged that Riduan and his associates were involved in the forcible takeover of the Chattogram Press Club between 5 and 14 August last year. Gambling and housey activities were later reported at the venue before authorities ordered them to shut down recently.
Some journalists believe the latest case may be linked to that dispute.
Journalists' bodies condemn case
Three journalists' organisations have strongly condemned the case and demanded its immediate withdrawal, along with exemplary action against Riduan Siddiqui.
In a joint statement, BFUJ Vice-President Shahidul Alam, Chattogram Press Club President Salahuddin Mohammad Reza, General Secretary Debdulal Bhowmik, and Chattogram Union of Journalists President Riaz Haider Chowdhury expressed deep concern over the incident.
They said that even under a democratically elected government, opportunistic groups appear to be attempting to curb freedom of expression and press freedom.
The leaders called on the authorities to ensure the safety and security of journalists and media institutions.
