Journalist Al Ehsan was booked under a criminal case on November 13 2024, two months after reporting on tax evasions within the Dhaka cotton industry. Credit: The Daily Post

The Daily Post reporter Al Ehsan was registered under a criminal case by the Uttarra West Police on November 13, 2024, two months after publishing tax evasion reports within ‘Dhaka Cotton’ and sister cotton companies in September 2024.

In a letter addressed to the IFJ on January 14, Ehsan wrote “Without issuing any prior written notice, a case was filed in secret under Sections 500/501 of the Penal Code 1860 in the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court.”

On September 18, 2024, the senior journalist published an article titled “Dhaka Cotton evades tax despite collecting from staff”, alleging staff of ‘Dhaka Cotton’ were declined income tax invoices from the Dhaka Cotton Authority. Ehsan notes receiving thirty staff member salary documents worth more than BDT 79 lakh (aprox. USD 64,250), revealing the company had provided no compensation to its employees or suppliers. Managing Director of Dhaka Cotton, Sheikh Muhammad Samiul Islam, had reportedly threatened Ehsan and staff members of a legal notice for fake allegations.

In a second report published on September 24, 2024, titled “Dhaka Cotton Mill Anomaly: A Lot of Allegations Against Sheikh Samiul Islam”, Ehsan reports allegations of Sheikh Samiul Islam assaulting a female employee after raising issue to an overdue salary. A former IT employee also alleged he received death threats from the Managing Director, after requesting remuneration for a workplace injury.

The Director of ‘Tafrid Cotton Mills Ltd’ and wife of Sheikh Samiul Islam, Noor Nahar, is listed in the report as another cotton company engaging in tax evasions with its employees. Nahar, acting as the plaintiff of the case, alleges Ehsan had sent unwanted links to her personal Whatsapp account and “placed mental pressure” for a response. Ehsan clarified he had only contacted Nahar when requesting a statement for his report.

The BMSF said: “We condemn the criminal case against Al Ehsan in the strongest terms. The Bengali media is still vulnerable and there has been no change for journalists in the country. The BMSF demands the interim government take note of this incident and take immediate steps to protect journalists.”

The IFJ said:“The IFJ calls on the local authorities to dismiss the case against journalist Al Eshan. The interim government should prioritise the vital protection of media workers during this crucial time of democratic transition and ensure independent journalists can work without fear of reprisal or retailiation.”