An analysis of video evidence has named over a dozen individuals, including two Chhatra Dal vice-presidents and several hall union candidates from the recent Ducsu election, as participants in last Thursday's assault on journalists from Dhaka University Journalists' Association (DUJA).
A detailed review of video footage collected from the scene and published by mainstream media outlets has identified at least ten individuals involved in the assault on members of the Dhaka University Journalists' Association (DUJA) at Shahbagh Police Station on the night of April 24, with four additional attackers yet to be identified.
The violent confrontation erupted at Shahbagh Police Station after a doctored screenshot of a Facebook post containing offensive remarks about Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, went viral. JCD activists accused Dhaka University Shibir leader Abdullah Al Mahmud of creating the post — a claim later debunked by fact-checking outlet Rumor Scanner, which confirmed the image was an edited screenshot.
At least ten members of DUJA were injured in the attack, which took place within the police station compound. Despite the violence unfolding inside the station, police were alleged to have remained silent spectators, with no official explanation given for their inaction. No officers reportedly intervened until the incident was over.
Who the footage shows
Among the most prominently identified individuals is Sazzad Hossain, a 2018-19 session student from the Department of Geography and Environment and a resident of Bijoy Ekattor Hall, who is seen in footage kicking journalists who had already fallen to the ground. Sazzad stood as the Chhatra Dal-endorsed Vice-President candidate at Bijoy Ekattor Hall in the recently concluded Ducsu and hall union elections 2025.
Sanin Sayed, a 2022-23 session student from the Department of Leather Products at the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology, is also seen kicking and slapping fallen journalists. A resident of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall, Sanin ran as the Chhatra Dal-endorsed executive member candidate at his hall union in the same election cycle.
Footage further implicates Jubayer Ahmed, a 2015-16 session student and Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's Dhaka University unit, who is seen striking journalists. Soikot Morshed, a 2012-13 session student from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Vice-President of DU Chhatra Dal, is seen both pushing and hitting journalists in separate clips. Aman Ullah, a 2011-12 session student from the Department of Finance and also a Vice-President of DU Chhatra Dal, was seen standing beside Jubayer during the attack, though he was not observed directly striking anyone.
Zunayed Abrar, a 2022-23 session student from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, resident of Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall, and Member Secretary of the hall's Chhatra Dal unit, is seen on footage charging at journalists at the initiation of the attack. Abrar had earlier spoken to Dhaka Tribune in connection with a separate graffiti dispute at Shahidullah Hall earlier that week, saying: "We asked the hall provost to come and look at the graffiti."
Among other identified individuals, Ash Shams, a 2025-26 session student from the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programme, is seen in multiple clips entering the crowd and hitting journalists. Johin Ferdous Jami, a 2021-22 session student from the Department of International Relations, appears repeatedly near the journalists with an aggressive demeanour and is later seen grabbing one of the attacked journalists. Saeed Hasan Saad, a 2022-23 session student from the Department of Sanskrit, a resident of Bijoy Ekattor Hall, and Joint Convener of Bijoy Ekattor Hall Chhatra Dal, is also seen near the journalists with a visibly hostile posture. Rizvi Alam, a 2020-21 session student from the Department of Political Science and Co-Organizational Secretary of Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall Chhatra Dal, is similarly seen near the scene of the assault.
Instigators named by victims
Beyond those seen physically attacking journalists, victims have named several individuals who allegedly incited the mob without directly participating in the violence. Abujar Gifary Efat, Convener of Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall Chhatra Dal, is alleged to have initiated the attack by inciting the crowd. Others named as instigators include Monsur Rafi, Member Secretary of Mohsin Hall Chhatra Dal; Monowar Hossain Pranto, Convener of Masterda Surya Sen Hall Chhatra Dal; Sofi Obaidur Rahman Samith, Former School Affairs Secretary of DU Chhatra Dal; and activists Momitur Rahman Piyal and Karib Chowdhury.
Following the attack, JCD leader Obaydur Rahman Samith — who was involved in the initial phase of the incidents — repeatedly called DUJA President Mahi to apologise. JCD Central General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said he had "just returned from Chittagong" and was looking into the matter.
Justice still pending
DUJA President Manjur Hossain Mahi said that some leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal obstructed journalists from performing their professional duties at Shahbagh Police Station, and they were attacked.
Former DUJA General Secretary Motahar Hossain noted that Chhatra Dal had claimed it would take organizational action against those involved, but instead, propaganda campaigns were being run on social media against the journalists.
DUJA has warned that if authorities fail to take action, it will announce stricter programmes in coordination with journalist associations from other universities, and has confirmed plans to file a case against those responsible.
The injured include DUJA President Manzur Hossain Mahi, General Secretary Liton Islam, and correspondents from the Dhaka Tribune, Daily Observer, Naya Diganta, and Manabzamin. Mohammad Iftekhar Hossain Sifat of Dhaka Mail sustained injuries to his eyes and face, requiring treatment at the DU Medical Centre.
