NTV journalist arrested in digital security case in Khulna

The police have arrested a journalist in connection with a libel case started by Khulna City Corporation Mayor Talukdar Abdul Khalek under the Digital Security Act.

Abu Tayeb was detained from his residence in Khulna’s Nurunnagar area at around 10:30 pm on Tuesday, said OC Ashraful Alam of Khulna Police Station. The mayor filed the case in the afternoon, reports bdnews24.com.

Tayeb is the bureau chief of private TV channel NTV in Khulna. He is accused of defaming the mayor in a Facebook post.

“Journalist Tayeb recently posted an article on Facebook involving the mayor. Allegations of tax evasion at the Mongla Customs House were levelled against the mayor,” said OC Ashraful. “The mayor was slandered in the post,” he said citing the case dossier.

Mayor Talukdar declined to speak after reporters went to his office following the arrest. He also could not be reached on his mobile phone after several attempts.

Tayeb will be produced in court on Wednesday.