A suspended judge has filed a defamation case against Channel 24 Managing Director AK Azad and six journalists of the television station, accusing them of broadcasting false and misleading reports that damaged his reputation.

The case was filed today by Joint District and Sessions Judge Md Ariful Islam at the court of Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sefatullah.

The journalists named in the complaint include Faysal Alam, editor of Channel 24's investigative programme Searchlight; Executive Director Zahirul Alam; Head of Multimedia Rajib Khan; Assignment Editor Maksud Un Nabi; Senior News Editor Tuhin Kaiyum; and News Reporter Zahid Hossain.

Additional Public Prosecutor Muhammad Shamsud Doha Sumon said the magistrate recorded the complainant's statement and directed the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police to investigate the allegations. The investigation report has been scheduled for submission by December 14.

According to the complaint, Channel 24 initially broadcast a report about Ariful Islam during its regular news bulletin on October 9. The channel later featured the report in its 9:00pm investigative programme, Searchlight.

Ariful alleged that the reports deliberately distorted and selectively edited his statements to create a misleading impression.

He also claimed that Channel 24 subsequently aired another report suggesting that his suspension on October 15 was a direct result of the channel's earlier coverage.

However, the judge denied any connection between his suspension and the television station's reporting, describing the claim as false, fabricated and defamatory.

Ariful Islam was suspended by the Law and Justice Division on October 15 over allegations of incompetence and misconduct.

Earlier in October, Channel 24 had also published an investigative report concerning alleged harassment of more than 100 people in Gazipur through false cases.

Responding to the allegations, Channel 24 Executive Director Zahirul Alam defended the reporting, saying it was based on facts, evidence and credible information gathered through visits to 12 districts.

He also said the reporter had repeatedly attempted to contact the judge before the report was broadcast and later sought his comments over the phone.

Zahirul further expressed respect for the judiciary but described the case as an apparent attempt to misuse power and suppress the truth. He said the legal action would not discourage the channel from continuing its commitment to responsible journalism.