PBI clears 28 Ctg journalists of student attacks in July uprising
PBI said the complainant failed to provide any supporting evidence despite being summoned four times.
Chattogram police have found no evidence to support allegations in a 2024 case accusing 109 individuals, including 28 senior journalists, of attempting to abduct students, carrying out attacks, and publishing false news during a student uprising.
The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) submitted its report to the court on 24 February, though the matter became public last Sunday.
PBI Chattogram Metropolitan Inspector Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury, the investigation officer, said the complainant failed to provide any supporting evidence despite being summoned four times.
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Attempts to contact her at home were also unsuccessful, and the names and addresses of witnesses listed in the case could not be verified.
The case was filed on 4 September 2024, by former principal of Mohra Syra Khatun Kaderia Girls' High School and College, Hasina Momtaz, following an alleged 4 August attack on students in the New Market area by armed activists.
The complaint claimed some journalists assaulted students and handed them over to ruling party leaders, while publishing biased reports.
Named in the case were former state information minister Mohammad Arafat, Hasina Mohiuddin, mother of former education minister Mahibul Chowdhury, and 28 journalists from various media outlets. Additionally, 50–60 unknown individuals, including leaders of Jubo League and Chhatra League, were listed as accused.
Responding to the PBI report, complainant Hasina Momtaz said she intends to pursue legal action against the findings.
