Lakshmipur Correspondent:

Residents of Mandari Bazar in Chandraganj, Lakshmipur, have reportedly expressed frustration over what they describe as a series of alleged misconduct and intimidation by former Union Parishad member Akhtar Hossain.

The latest allegation involves an incident in which a senior journalist was allegedly attacked and threatened with death inside the ablution area of a mosque, triggering widespread anger in the locality.

According to accounts of the incident, senior journalist Jahangir Alam, who is also president of the Chandraganj Upazila Press Club, was performing ablution at the Mandari Bazar Noorani Jame Mosque before Asr prayers last Tuesday.

It is alleged that Akhtar, reportedly angered over a previously published news report, approached Jahangir Alam and began verbally abusing him. At one stage, Akhtar allegedly launched a sudden physical attack on the journalist.

Witnesses and worshippers present at the mosque reportedly intervened and rescued Jahangir Alam, taking him inside the mosque for safety.

However, the accused allegedly continued to threaten the journalist and made threats against his life in public.

Following the incident, Jahangir Alam filed a written complaint with Chandraganj Police Station seeking security and legal action.

According to the complaint and local residents, allegations of various forms of intimidation, violence, land grabbing and harassment have previously been made against former member Akhtar. Local people from different walks of life claim to have been affected by his alleged activities.

The incident involving the alleged attack and death threats against a professional journalist inside a mosque has drawn strong condemnation from members of the local community.

Lakshmipur Press Club President A.H.M. Mustaqur Rahman, General Secretary Saidul Islam Pavel, and Chandraganj Upazila Press Club General Secretary Rafiqul Islam condemned and protested the incident.

The journalist leaders called on the authorities to take immediate legal action against Akhtar, including his arrest, following a proper investigation into the allegations.

The allegations against Akhtar Hossain have not yet been independently verified. His version of the incident could not be obtained immediately. It would be included in the report if and when he provides a response.