At least 10 journalists from Dhaka University Journalists' Association (DUJA) were injured in an alleged attack by activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) inside Shahbagh Police Station in the capital on Thursday evening, raising serious concerns over safety and law enforcement response.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack took place inside the police station premises while journalists were gathering news, with police reportedly remaining largely inactive during the incident. No official statement from police was immediately available.
The injured journalists include Manjur Hossain Mahi (Kaler Kantho), Liton Islam (Agamir Shomoy), Shamsuddoza Nawab (Dhaka Tribune), Mohammad Iftekhar Hossain Sifat (Dhaka Mail), Harun Islam (Naya Diganta), Asaduzzaman Khan (Manab Zamin), and Neimur Rahman Emon (Daily Observer), among others. Sifat sustained serious injuries to his eyes and face and was later taken to hospital for treatment.
According to sources, the incident was linked to tensions over a facebook post attributed to Abdullah Al Mahmud, which allegedly contained offensive remarks about Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman. Abdullah denied the allegation and issued a counterstatement, but threats were reportedly made against him on social media.
Around 7:00 PM, Abdullah went to Shahbagh Police Station to file a general diary seeking security, accompanied by student leaders. Upon learning this, JCD activists gathered around the police station premises.
When journalists arrived to cover the development, they were allegedly obstructed. Eyewitnesses said journalists Ferdous (Jago News) and Sourav Islam (RisingBD) were prevented from recording video footage, leading to an argument involving DUJA President Manjur Hossain Mahi.
At that point, former JCD leader Obaidur Rahman Samith allegedly pushed Mahi and used abusive language even after he identified himself as a journalist. As other journalists intervened, they were dragged from the corridor to the courtyard and physically assaulted.
During the incident, several JCD leaders, including Joint General Secretary Gazi Md Saddam, DU JCD Senior Vice-President Masum Billah and Organising Secretary Nur Alam Bhuiyan Emon, were present, with slogans reportedly chanted against journalists.
Witnesses said that although an apology was later attempted, the situation escalated again when another JCD leader, Abu Zar Gifari Ifat, arrived shouting, triggering a mob-like attack on the journalists present.
The attackers, including Imam Al Naser Mishuk, Mansur Rafi, Junaed Abrar, Sulaiman Hossain Robi, Sakib Biswas, Sajjad Khan, Monowar Hossain Pranto, Karib Chowdhury, Jahin Ferdous Jami, Mohtasim Billah Himel, Mamitur Rahman Pial and others, were allegedly involved. Senior leaders including Mujahidul Islam Anik and Saif Khan were also present at the scene, according to witnesses.
Following the incident, Obaidur Rahman Samith reportedly apologised to the journalist. When contacted, JCD central general secretary said he had just returned from Chattogram and was looking into the matter.
The incident comes a day after multiple journalists were harassed in separate incidents at Dhaka University, intensifying concerns over press safety on campus and surrounding areas.
NRE/AM
