A video report by Barta24 regarding patient diversion at Naogaon 250-Bed General Hospital has recently stirred significant local reaction. In his report, journalist Shahidul Islam Ferdous raised allegations against Dr. M.A.R. Chowdhury for diverting patients to private clinics. The doctor himself acknowledged these allegations._x000D_ _x000D_ Shahidul Islam reported that after conducting an investigation over six to seven days at Naogaon Sadar Hospital, he discovered that Dr. Chowdhury had forcibly discharged patients and mistreated them. While speaking to a patient’s son on the 8th floor regarding the issue, a man named Monirul intervened and tried to prevent Shahidul from publishing the report. Shahidul alleged that when he questioned Monirul about why he was being stopped from reporting, he was met with hostile behavior and left the scene._x000D_ _x000D_ After the report aired, Monirul Islam, the son of local resident Mahbub Alam, made false claims that Shahidul had recorded a video of his wife, which Shahidul strongly denied, calling it a complete fabrication. Shahidul even issued a challenge in response to the false accusation._x000D_ _x000D_ Following the broadcast, Shahidul began receiving death threats. He was later detained at the Naogaon District Journalists' Union office, where Monirul and his associates forced him to make a video statement._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ It was reported that several journalists were present at the union office, including Pavel from Desh Rupantor, Abdul Mannan from Shomoyer Kontho Shor, Rifat Hossain Sabu from Dainik Bangla, and Khorshed Alam Raju from Rupali Bangladesh. Additionally, the union president, S.M. Azad Hossain Murad, and general secretary, Ashraful Islam Noyon, coerced Shahidul into deleting the video and issuing an apology. Murad’s nephew, Rubel, was also present during the incident._x000D_ _x000D_ Shahidul claims he was forced to post a Facebook apology and delete the video out of fear for his life and concern for his physical safety. He contacted his office, who advised him to temporarily remove the video._x000D_ _x000D_ When approached by Bangladesh Media Monitor, Naogaon District Journalists' Union president S.M. Azad Hossain Murad provided no response regarding the incident._x000D_ _x000D_ This event highlights the obstacles faced by local journalists in performing their professional duties. Attacks and threats against journalists not only violate press freedom but also severely compromise the transparency and impartiality of news reporting. A full investigation into this incident and accountability for those involved is urgently needed.