A journalist was injured after allegedly being attacked by leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami during a program in Dhaka's Dhanmondi 32 area on Tuesday amid heightened security surrounding the 77th founding anniversary of the banned Awami League.
The victim, Dainik Sokal multimedia reporter Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir, said he was assaulted during a gathering organized by Jamaat's Dhaka South Metropolitan unit following a procession in the area. Several other journalists were also injured while trying to protect him, according to witnesses.
When contacted, Dhanmondi Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Saiful Islam told Dhaka Tribune on Tuesday afternoon that the incident resulted from a "misunderstanding."
"We took action immediately after receiving the report, and the situation is now under control," he said.
A Jamaat leader also described the incident as a "misunderstanding" and said the party would investigate the matter and take organizational action against those responsible.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies conducted raids on hotels, boarding houses, and other suspected hideouts, detaining several Awami League leaders and activists.
On Tuesday, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) claimed it had thwarted plans for rallies, processions, and public gatherings across the capital marking the 77th founding anniversary of the banned Awami League.
The operation was described as one of the largest security crackdowns in the capital in recent months.
DMP Commissioner Mohammad Mainul Uddin Ahmed said intelligence information indicated that Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters had planned demonstrations and gatherings in different parts of the city despite the ban on the party's activities.
"We had information that processions, rallies, and gatherings could take place in various areas of the capital in connection with the anniversary. Police have so far prevented those plans from materializing," he said.
He added that security operations and surveillance would continue to prevent anyone from entering the capital to carry out sabotage or organize unauthorized political activities.
What happened at Dhanmondi 32?
Leaders of the Awami League, which was removed from power during the July uprising and has since gone underground, had announced plans on social media to hold processions on Tuesday, the party's 77th founding anniversary.
In response, law enforcement agencies increased vigilance, while Jamaat-e-Islami and several other political groups announced counter-programs.
As part of those programs, Jamaat's Dhaka South Metropolitan unit held a gathering in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial House at Dhanmondi 32 at around 8:45am after a procession that began in Kalabagan around 8:30am and passed through the Sobhanbagh Mosque area before ending on Road 32 in Dhanmondi.
Leaders and activists of Jamaat's Dhanmondi zone participated in the event. Those present included Mustafizur Rahman, Mujahidul Islam Shahin, Anisuzzaman, and Jahinur Rahman, among other local leaders and activists.
According to participants and witnesses, tensions arose during speeches delivered after the procession. Journalists requested that only the main speaker address the gathering, arguing that extended speeches would make news coverage difficult.
Witnesses said some Jamaat leaders and activists became angered by the request. During the ensuing exchange, journalists were allegedly referred to as "friends of the Awami League" and Shishir was labeled an "enabler of fascism" and an "accomplice of the autocratic regime."
Shishir said the confrontation began when the ameer of Hazaribagh Thana was speaking and television crews requested that only the principal speaker continue.
"If everyone gives a speech, we won't be able to cover it properly in the news," they said.
According to Shishir, the Hazaribagh ameer responded: "We will all speak. If you want to stay, stay; if not, leave. We don't need you."
Shishir said he protested the remark, saying: "You cannot speak to us like that. We are journalists, not your party workers."
He alleged that several individuals then asked to see his press ID card. Before he could take it out of his pocket, they branded him an "accomplice of the autocratic regime" and began beating him.
Witnesses said the verbal altercation later escalated into a physical attack. Shishir sustained injuries to his face and was bleeding when fellow journalists rushed him to a nearby hospital for treatment. He was taken to Bangladesh Medical College Hospital and later returned home after receiving treatment.
Shishir further claimed that he was attacked a second time when he later attempted to speak with other journalists.
According to witnesses, four or five other journalists were also injured during the incident while trying to protect him.
Following the incident, Jamaat Dhaka South Metropolitan Secretary Shafiqul Islam Masud, Assistant Secretary Delwar Hossain, and Assistant Publicity Secretary Abdus Sattar Sumon contacted Shishir and expressed regret over the incident.
Mujibur Rahman Khan, a working committee member of Dhanmondi Thana Jamaat, described the incident as "unfortunate."
Speaking to reporters, he said: "Someone from outside may have entered our program and caused this unwanted incident."
Referring to the broader security situation, OC Saiful Islam said: "Security has been strengthened in the Dhanmondi area due to concerns that the law-and-order situation could deteriorate."
Regarding the altercation, he added: "There was a verbal altercation involving a journalist. The police managed the situation, and it is now under control."
Founded on June 23, 1949, the Awami League is one of Bangladesh's oldest political parties. Following the political transition of 2024, the party's activities were subsequently banned by the authorities.
