After reporting on the criminal actions of a notorious religious extremist syndicate, journalist Fara Hossain has become the target of threats and harassment. Similar threats and legal harassment have been directed at other journalists researching the group.
“The police spoke to me. But I'm still scared,” Fara Hossain tells CFWIJ. “They can do anything at any time. I and my family are moving with caution.”
There have been allegations of fanaticism, incitement to violence, and corruption against members of the group's controversial spiritual head, Rajarbagh Pir.
“He came to my office before publication,” explains Hossain. “At that time, they tried to harass me in various ways so that I would not publish the report.”
The group's supporters reached out to Hossain via WhatsApp, pleading with her to cancel the broadcast of her story. Hossain's Facebook account was hacked when she and her team chose to release the article against the pressure.
Hossain has been threatened by Rajarbagh Pir and his followers previously. After she exposed their unlawful actions to the public in 2021, they began stalking her.
“They came to my office at night and pressured me to withdraw the report. My office removed the report for security reasons,” she recalls.
It's not just Hossain who's in danger. One of the group's senior figures is suing RTV journalist Adhora Yeasmean for reporting on their activities. The Digital Security Act (DSA) charges against Yeasmean are very contentious. Journalists have been harassed and sometimes jailed owing to this law. CFWIJ and 18 other press freedom organizations have written a letter urging the authorities in Bangladesh to drop the case against Yeasmean.
Hossain is worried that Rajarbagh Pir and his followers may behave badly in court again, like they did with Yeasmean. Hossain has filed a complaint (GD) with the Hatirjheel police station for her own safety on August 30, 2023. She is taking this precaution in the hopes that it will protect her from a potential DSA complaint.
"This GD (complaint) is done so that the case against me is not like others," Hossain says.
Mursalin Nomani, president of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), spoke out strongly against Rajarbagh Pir and his followers' harassment of journalists. Nomani informed CFWIJ that Hossain, a veteran journalist and DRU member, is well-respected and experienced, and he highlighted the significance of protecting the right of journalists like Hossain to report without interference.
He also asks for help from the authorities in keeping her safe.
It was reported on August 17 that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh is looking into claims that Rajarbagh Pir and his followers amassed their fortune dishonestly. The religious organization is being targeted with allegations of extortion, land theft, and harassment. Shakerul Kabir, one of its leaders, has been arrested several times on charges of abuse against women. Concerns regarding Rajarbagh Pir's actions have also been voiced by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC). A representative for Rajarbagh Darbar Sharif has denied the claims.
Hossain is defiant despite her fears for her own safety. She believes that reporting on the group's violent actions is the only way to stop them.
“Everyone needs to protest and publish more informative news about these hypocritical elders,” Hossain tells CFWIJ. ”Then their violence will decrease.”
When Fara Hossain reported Rajarbagh Pir and his supporters to the authorities, she received praise from the Coalition for Women in Journalism. Hossain has been threatened on multiple occasions, but she is unfazed and determined to continue exposing their illegal behaviour. Her reporting is a shining example of how journalists can protect communities by exposing wrongdoers and forcing them to answer for their actions.
We are deeply concerned for Hossain and her family's safety in light of the past of Rajarbagh Pir and his supporters. Those who have threatened and intimidated her must be brought to justice, and we demand that the police provide the necessary safety for them.
