Netrakona, July 15 (V7N) - On Tuesday, July 15, journalist and former army member Lutfor Zaman Fakir was fully acquitted by the Netrakona Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal in a rape case that was widely condemned as fabricated and politically motivated.
 
Journalist Lutfor Zaman Fakir, who previously served in the Bangladesh Army, has been cleared of all charges in a case that was filed against him under what many rights groups and journalists described as an act of retaliation. The verdict, issued on July 15 by the Netrakona Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal, ends a prolonged legal ordeal that began after his investigative reports exposed cross-border smuggling operations in the region.
 
Lutfor Zaman had been actively reporting for government-licensed IPTV channel Ruposhi Bangla TV. Drawing from his disciplined military background, he focused on high-risk, sensitive issues involving illegal arms trafficking and organized smuggling networks operating in the border regions of Durgapur and Kalmakanda in Netrakona. His work revealed the alleged involvement of influential local figures, including politicians, business groups, and even some members of the law enforcement community.
 
Following the publication of these reports, Lutfor became the target of retaliation. A rape case was filed against him, allegedly orchestrated by former Netrakona Superintendent of Police Fayez Ahmed in coordination with a smuggling syndicate and several police officers with vested interests. During the trial, multiple inconsistencies and lack of credible evidence were highlighted, ultimately leading to his acquittal.
 
Journalists in Netrakona and across Bangladesh had long spoken out in support of Lutfor, maintaining that the case was a clear attempt to silence a critical voice. The local journalist community held demonstrations and demanded justice, calling attention to threats to press freedom and the misuse of legal tools to harass investigative reporters.
 
Lutfor Zaman, speaking after the verdict, confirmed that he had suffered physical abuse while in police custody and that the charges were part of a deliberate effort to intimidate and discredit him. “It was a painful battle, but I never lost faith in the truth,” he said.
 
Judge of the Netrakona tribunal (District and Sessions Judge) ruled the case to be without merit, declaring the allegations false and granting Lutfor Zaman full acquittal.
 
This verdict is seen by many as a landmark moment for press freedom in Bangladesh, shedding light on the dangers journalists face when exposing corruption and criminal networks. Media rights groups have called for accountability for those who misuse legal authority to suppress the press.
 
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