Following UNO Soni's apology in Badalgachi, journalists have withdrawn all their programs.

Daily Bijoy News, Badalgachi, Naogaon Correspondent:

The tension in Badalgachi, Naogaon, surrounding the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Israt Jahan Soni's false and controversial statement that "media doesn't cover news without money" has been resolved. The journalists have withdrawn all their announced programs after the UNO officially apologized, acknowledging her remarks were due to a "misunderstanding."

A video of the UNO's speech, given at a meeting of Cub and Scout groups at the Upazila Parishad auditorium on November 12, went viral on social media, sparking strong reactions and anger among local journalists. In the video, the UNO was heard saying, "I don't take media coverage because the media demands money for it." Journalists working in Badalgachi upazila expressed their outrage and announced protest programs, including a human chain, demanding the removal of UNO Israt Jahan Soni.

Following this, a human chain was organized in front of the Upazila gate at 10:00 AM this Wednesday. Seeing the situation escalate, UNO Israt Jahan Soni held a meeting with all local media workers. There, she described the statement in the video as a "misinterpretation and unintended," withdrew her comments, sincerely apologized to the journalists, and requested the withdrawal of all protest programs. Accepting her apology, the journalists decided to call off all announced programs.

Explaining the background of the incident, UNO Israt Jahan Soni assured journalists of ensuring a safe professional environment and expressed commitment to future coordinated work between the administration and media personnel.

The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Palash Uddin, Officer-in-Charge of Badalgachi Police Station Md. Anisur Rahman, Upazila Executive Engineer Md. Shahinul Islam, Upazila Women Affairs Officer and Administrator of Sadar Union Md. Faruq Ahmed, Upazila Youth Development Officer Md. Mazharul Islam, along with leaders from various journalist organizations in the upazila and journalists from Naogaon district. The journalists expressed their resolve to continue working for the area's development and public interest while maintaining a good relationship with the administration.

Daily Bijoy News / Md. Sarwar Hossain Apu