Ittefaq Journalist Attacked in Faridganj over a News Report, Allegedly Confined for an Hour

Journalist Mohiuddin, the Faridganj correspondent of the daily Ittefaq, has been attacked at Faridganj Bazar in Chandpur. It is alleged that Kamrul Patwary, a former president of the Faridganj municipal unit of Chhatra Dal, along with several others, carried out the attack.

The incident took place on Tuesday morning (20 October) in front of the Faridganj Bazar central Jame Mosque. The attack in a busy market area in broad daylight spread panic among local people.

According to eyewitnesses, after being beaten in several rounds, journalist Mohiuddin was confined for nearly an hour. Fellow journalists later rescued him with the help of local people and took him to hospital.

The injured journalist alleged that on his way home in the morning, Kamrul struck him on the neck from behind in front of the central mosque at Faridganj Bazar. 'When I protested, he punched me. I was attacked several times this way as I kept walking,' he said.

Mohiuddin further alleged that at one stage he was even obstructed from going to hospital for treatment with the help of local people.

Explaining the reason behind the attack, he said he was targeted because a few days ago he had reported the arrest of four members of the Swechchhasebak Dal in an incident. He said he would file a complaint with the police station over the attack.

However, on behalf of the accused Kamrul Patwary, it was stated that he assaulted journalist Mohiuddin in anger after the journalist called him an extortionist.

Chandpur additional superintendent of police Nadira Nur said: 'We have initially learned that a scuffle took place between them because of a personal dispute with the journalist. Police went to the spot after receiving a call on 999.'

She added that no complaint has yet been filed by the journalist in this incident, and action will be taken after investigation if a complaint is lodged.

The attack has sparked strong anger and concern among local journalists, who have demanded a proper investigation and legal action against those involved.

Attacks on journalists for gathering news are not new in the country, and ensuring journalists' safety while performing their professional duties has been a longstanding demand. The local journalist community will be watching which way the investigation and legal process of this incident proceed.