PBI directed to file probe report against Face the People editor, reporter by 10 Aug
The complaint also alleged that on 28 June, Face the People published a report intended to damage the reputation of the Mastul Foundation
A Dhaka court has ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to investigate a case filed against Saifur Sagar, editor and publisher of the online portal Face the People, and its investigative reporter Mohammad Yusuf over allegations of extortion and defamation.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Hasibuzzaman passed the order today (5 July), directing the PBI to submit its investigation report by 10 August.
Earlier in the day, Advocate Abu Mohammad Kamruzzaman filed the case application on behalf of the Mastul Foundation. After recording the complainant's statement, the court kept its order pending before issuing the directive in the afternoon, the plaintiff's lawyer Md Azad Rahman confirmed.
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According to the complaint, the accused visited the Mastul Foundation office regarding the publication of reports on the Face the People online portal. They allegedly demanded Tk20,000 to publish a favourable report about the foundation and Tk15,000 for publishing a press release.
The complaint further alleged that the accused demanded a monthly payment of Tk50,000 to allow the foundation to continue its operations.
When the foundation refused to meet the financial demands, the accused allegedly threatened to tarnish its reputation and intimidate its officials.
The complaint also alleged that on 28 June, Face the People published a report intended to damage the reputation of the Mastul Foundation.
The plaintiff claimed the publication caused the organisation Tk20 crore in reputational damages.
