BNP MP Mobasher call journalists 'friends of fascists'

BNP MP from Cumilla-10 constituency Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan made controversial remarks by calling some journalists 'friends of fascists'. 

He made the remarks while addressing a meeting with local journalists at the conference room of Nangalkot Upazila administration on Friday (May 8) afternoon. "I have power for 58 months, you have to act the way I want", he warned the journalists. 

MP Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan said at the meeting, "I haven't been elected as an MP with your help. In the last 17 years, I have not seen any of you make a news about Nangalkot. So I have 58 months of power. You have to act the way I want." At that time, he targeted Nangalkot Press Club President Mujibur Rahman Molla and repeatedly called him a 'fascist'. 

The journalists present alleged that he was not even given a chance to defend himself. Rather, at one stage, he was even asked to publicly apologize. It has been alleged that when other journalists wanted to speak at the meeting, the MP also stopped them with harsh words.  "Everyone should follow his decision", the MP said.

He also warned, "If news about this is published, I will look into it". At that time, Nangalkot Press Club Organizing Secretary Kamal Hossain Jony and several other journalists were stopped from speaking at the meeting. 

It has been alleged that 'Sabuj Patra' Editor Jamal Uddin Swapan was not allowed to speak even though he wanted to share his experience of being a victim of torture during the Awami League.

Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan also said that Nangalkot Press Club will be restructured and membership will be given after verifying the qualifications of journalists. He also said that a new constitution will be prepared for this.

The MP's statement and behavior at the meeting created anger among the journalists present. Although many did not react publicly considering the situation. Later, the local journalist community expressed concern over the incident and condemned the MP's statement.

No additional statement from MP Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan was immediately available on this matter.

>>Kamal Hossain Jony in Nangalkot