A journalist in Naria upazila of Shariatpur has alleged that he was threatened by Motiur Rahman Sagor, the upazila BNP’s organizing secretary, after publishing a report about an assault complaint against the politician. The report, published in the online edition of daily Kalbela, covered a general diary filed by an office assistant of the local LGED office who accused Sagor of assault and issuing death threats. Following the publication, Sagor reportedly sent several messages to journalist Khan Mohammad Shihan’s WhatsApp, questioning his professionalism and implying influence over his employment.

When contacted, Sagor did not deny the allegations but expressed anger, saying he would take legal action against those who reported on him. Journalist Shihan described the threats as alarming and said he was consulting senior journalists and the local press club about possible legal steps. Abul Hossain Sardar, president of the district press club, condemned the intimidation, calling it a threat to media freedom and journalists’ safety.

The incident has sparked concern among local journalists about the safety of media workers and the environment for free reporting in the region.