Protest Against Alleged Propaganda Targeting Tamabil Business Leaders, Legal Action Warned.

Naeem Ahmed, Jaintapur-Gowainghat Sylhet. The Tamabil Stone Importers Group has strongly condemned and protested against what it described as “false and fabricated” information circulated on social media and online newspapers regarding alleged financial transactions involving business leaders of Tamabil Land Port in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet. The protest was made at a press conference held at the organization’s office on Monday (September 14), where the group’s Convener, Md. Rafiqul Islam Shahparan, read out a written statement. In the written statement, he said that for the past several days, various baseless allegations and rumors regarding financial transactions involving business leaders of Tamabil Land Port have been circulated on social media and different online news portals. He claimed that the allegations are completely false and fabricated. He also asserted that no leader or member of the Tamabil Stone Importers Group is involved in any such unethical financial transactions. The organization’s leaders alleged that an vested interest group is deliberately spreading such propaganda with the aim of damaging the reputation of Tamabil Land Port and disrupting its business activities. They said that thousands of traders, workers, stone-crusher owners, transport owners and transport workers depend on the import of stones and other goods through Tamabil Land Port for their livelihoods. The government also earns a substantial amount of revenue every year through imports via the port, they added. At the press conference, the speakers urged everyone concerned not to spread any false, misleading or defamatory information surrounding this important commercial establishment. They also warned that strict legal action would be taken, if necessary, against those involved in spreading such propaganda with the intention of tarnishing the reputation of the business community. The speakers also urged journalists to verify the authenticity of any allegations circulated on social media and publish news responsibly after properly checking the facts and information. Executive committee members of the Tamabil Stone Importers Group, general traders and senior leaders of various workers’ organizations were present at the press conference.