Cumilla Assistant Commissioner (Land) Handcuffs Two Journalists Over Office Video Recording

Two journalists were detained, handcuffed, and taken to a police station following an altercation and video recording at the Assistant Commissioner (Land) office in Chandina Upazila, Cumilla.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 PM on Wednesday (April 1). The journalists were released around 4:00 PM after being forced to provide a written undertaking (MUCHLEKA).

The victims have been identified as Abdul Alim, the Devidwar correspondent for the local daily Amar Shohor, and Russel Sarkar, the Devidwar Upazila correspondent for the national daily Manab Zamin.

Allegations of Abuse of Power
The journalists alleged that they were handcuffed and hauled to the police station simply for filming the unprofessional behavior of Assistant Commissioner (Land), Faisal Al Nur. They further claimed that at the station, the official forcibly seized their mobile phones, deleted recorded footage and photos, and coerced them into signing a statement promising not to pursue the matter further.

Recounting the ordeal, Abdul Alim said, "I went to the land office with Russel Sarkar for a mutation hearing involving my cousin’s family. Around 1:40 PM, we asked the AC (Land) if the hearing would take place today. He became agitated and started behaving rudely. When I began recording his behavior on my phone, he tried to snatch it. He then ordered the police to handcuff us. Despite repeatedly identifying ourselves as journalists, the police said they were simply following the magistrate’s orders."

The AC (Land)’s Defense
AC (Land) Faisal Al Nur denied the allegations of targeted harassment, labeling the incident a "misunderstanding." He claimed the individuals entered his office while he was conducting a hearing and demanded immediate service.

"They began filming without permission, which was deeply embarrassing. I was forced to call the police due to their unruly behavior. I did not know they were media personnel until after they were handcuffed. As soon as I realized their identity, I asked the police to remove the cuffs," the official stated.

Widespread Outrage
By Wednesday evening, images of the two journalists in handcuffs circulated widely on social media, sparking intense condemnation from the journalistic community in Cumilla.

Kazi Enamul Haque Faruk, President of the Cumilla Press Club, stated: "Journalists are the conscience of society. If a journalist makes a mistake, legal action can be taken through the Press Institute. But putting handcuffs on them is an assault on our dignity. We demand immediate administrative action against this AC (Land)."

Mu. Reza Hasan, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Cumilla, termed the incident "unfortunate." He added, "Journalists are our mirror, and we maintain a cordial relationship with them. We are looking into the details of the incident and will take necessary steps accordingly."