The government has transferred Chandina’s Assistant Commissioner (Land), Faisal Al Nur, following widespread criticism over the handcuffing of two journalists at his office—an incident that has intensified concerns over the treatment of media professionals and the limits of administrative authority.

The incident occurred on April 1 in the afternoon, when two journalists—Abdul Alim and Russel Sarkar—visited the AC (Land) office in Chandina to inquire about a land mutation hearing.
According to their accounts, the official reacted sharply to their query. When Abdul Alim began recording the interaction on his mobile phone, the situation escalated. Police were called, and both journalists were handcuffed and taken into custody.
They were released about two hours later, reportedly after signing a written undertaking. The journalists also alleged that their phones were temporarily seized and recorded footage was removed.
Official Version
Faisal Al Nur denied allegations of misconduct, describing the incident as a “misunderstanding.” He claimed the individuals disrupted official proceedings and began filming without consent, prompting him to seek police intervention.
He added that he was unaware of their professional identity at the time and instructed that the handcuffs be removed once he was informed.
Reaction from Media and Administration
The circulation of images showing the journalists in handcuffs sparked strong reactions among media professionals and civil society.
Kazi Enamul Haque Faruk  President of the Cumilla Press Club described the incident as a “serious affront to professional dignity,” stressing that concerns involving journalists should be addressed through appropriate institutional mechanisms.
Mu. Reza Hasan the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Cumilla termed the incident “regrettable” and said the administration is reviewing the matter to preserve a constructive relationship between the state and the press.
Transfer Order
In a development on April 2, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification transferring Faisal Al Nur from his current post. He has been reassigned as a Senior Assistant Commissioner at the Sylhet Divisional Commissioner’s Office.
The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Barman Hossain, stated that the decision was taken in the public interest and would take immediate effect.
Calls for Redress
While the transfer has been viewed by some as a responsive measure, sections of the media community believe it does not sufficiently address accountability concerns.
Journalist bodies have called for an appropriate administrative response, including a formal expression of regret and institutional clarification over the incident, rather than direct punitive confrontation.
Broader Concerns
The episode has renewed debate over administrative overreach, the safety of journalists, and the procedural safeguards required when dealing with media personnel.
Stakeholders within the media sector continue to urge a transparent review to ensure that such incidents are addressed through established legal and professional frameworks