A journalist in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, has allegedly received death threats following the publication of a report about the recovery of stolen rubber. The allegation has been raised against Jubo League leader Md Jahedul Islam.

Azgar Salehi, Fatikchhari North correspondent for the daily Sangu, filed a general diary (GD) with Bhujpur Police Station on Thursday night, October 22, expressing concerns for his personal safety.

Jahedul Islam is reportedly known as an associate of Abu Tayeb, a former upazila chairman and Awami League leader.

According to the GD, a team from the Dantmara Police Investigation Centre recovered approximately 4,500 kilograms of allegedly stolen rubber from a covered van while it was being transported to Chattogram city on October 20. Three people were detained in connection with the incident, and a theft case was subsequently filed with Bhujpur Police Station.

Azgar Salehi published a report about the incident in Sangu. He alleged that, following the publication, he received WhatsApp calls from the number 01777407777 at 10:12 pm and 10:14 pm on October 21. During the calls, he was allegedly threatened with abduction, murder and the concealment of his body.

In the GD, Salehi stated that the caller identified himself as a follower of Abu Tayeb and claimed to have an organised group. He also alleged that he was threatened with abduction if he visited northern Fatikchhari for news reporting in the future.

Jahedul Islam is a resident of Hasnabad village in Dantmara Union, Fatikchhari, and is the son of Md Rafique.

Salehi said the threats had raised serious concerns about his personal safety because of his professional duties and reporting. He added that the incident had also created fears about his ability to gather and publish news independently.

Mohammad Liton Mia, investigation officer at Bhujpur Police Station, said a sub-inspector had been assigned to investigate the GD and take legal action as appropriate.