Journalists attacked after Jamaat procession at Dhanmondi 32, five injured

Journalists were attacked after a protest programme by Jamaat-e-Islami at Dhanmondi 32 in the capital. 

The incident took place on Tuesday morning. At least five people, including Daily Samakal reporter Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir, were injured in the incident.

Eyewitnesses said that on the occasion of the 77th founding anniversary of the Awami League, Jamaat-e-Islami held a protest procession at Dhanmondi 32 in the Dhanmondi zone of Dhaka Metropolitan City South at around 8:30 am. 

Jamaat leaders Mustafizur Rahman, Mujahidul Islam Shahin, Anisuzzaman and Jahinur Rahman and local activists participated in the programme.

After the procession, a verbal altercation broke out between journalists and Jamaat leaders and activists over a request for a senior journalist to speak at a briefing. 

At one stage, some leaders and activists commented that the journalists were “friends of the Awami League”. 

Tension spread when they protested. Later, there were allegations that journalists were attacked.

Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir was seriously injured. Blood was seen flowing from his face. 

In addition, Kalbela news reporter Abdur Rahman Ishan and Jamuna TV reporter Rabbi Siddique, along with several others, were injured in the beating incident. 

Later, other journalists at the scene rescued them and sent them to the hospital.

Ashraf Emon, director of the media department of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat, told Daily Samakal that the incident was unexpected and unfortunate. 

He claimed that some journalists were pressuring to end the programme quickly after the procession. At that time, it was not clear who was a journalist and who was not. Then the beatings broke out due to verbal altercation. Jamaat is expressing regret for this. 

At the same time, the process of identifying those involved and taking action is underway, he said.

Sheikh Jahidul Islam, deputy commissioner of the Ramna division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told Daily Samakal that he had heard that there was a verbal altercation there and it was resolved immediately. It is unfortunate if anyone was injured. He said he was investigating the matter.