The president of the Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA) and one other journalist have been attacked by a group of extortionists as they protested against a syndicate while visiting a fabric market in Bangabazar, Dhaka.
The attack took place on the second floor of the Banga Islamia Market in the capital's Banga Market area at around 5:30pm on Tuesday.
Among the victims were Al Sadi Bhuiyan, president of the DUJA, and Nahid, a staff reporter from Jagonews.
They were attacked with hammers, rods, and GI pipes. Bhuiyan was beaten severely, suffering injuries to his head, back, waist, and legs.
The accused in the incident are Abul Hossain Tabu, the husband of Councillor Rokshana Islam Chameli of Shahbagh Thana's ward no 19,20, Rafiqul Islam Swapan, an aspirant of BNP activist, and Masud Yusuf, the joint convener of the ward no 20 of BNP unit.
Nahid sustained a serious injury to his left leg and was further assaulted on the roof of the building. Additionally, a student's finger was severed during the attack.
They stole Bhuiyan's mobile phone and Nahid's mobile, wallet, bike keys, and press ID card.
Despite the presence of police at the scene, they failed to protect the victims or intervene effectively. The police were seen standing by as the violence unfolded.
Al-Sadi Bhuiyan expressed frustration, saying: "We were attacked because we protested against the syndicate. Even after identifying ourselves as journalists, the assault continued. We called the police, but they did not help us."
Nahid recounted the violence, saying: "Despite calling the army, there was no response. They took my phone, wallet, and ID cards. We were beaten again on the roof with local weapons and GI pipes until I lost consciousness."
Badhon, a local businessman, said that attackers from the rival group broke down doors and assaulted them with hammers, rods, and GI pipes when he went to meet the owner of the store.
The incident was also condemned by Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who went to the scene.
They called for justice and vowed to resist such acts of violence, saying: "We strongly condemn the brutal attack on journalists and students. The syndicate responsible will not be spared. From now on, we will resist them firmly."
The victims are currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
