Journalist assaulted over land dispute in Kurigram

A journalist was attacked and injured over a land dispute on Saturday in Kurigram’s Fulbari upazila. 

Aminul Islam, 55, the Fulbari correspondent of Bangladesh Pratidin, was attacked on Saturday morning. He is currently undergoing treatment at the upazila health complex. 

Confirming the matter, Fulbari police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sarwar Parvez said the assaulted journalist has yet to file a complaint regarding the attack. 

According to Aminul’s family and local residents, Mokhlesur Rahman, son of late Shamsul Haque of Pani Maskuti village, had a long-running land dispute with Aminul Islam, also a senior teacher at Fulbari JM Model Govt High School. 

Mokhlesur became furious after Aminul lodged a complaint with the police station on January 15 regarding the dispute.

On Saturday morning, while Aminul was on his way to the school, Mokhlesur, his brother Mizanur Rahman, Manik Miah, and several others blocked Aminul’s path and attacked him with iron rods and heavy sticks, fracturing his skull and injuring other parts of his body. 

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Later, locals rescued and took him to Fulbari Upazila Health Complex.

The injured journalist said he wants exemplary punishment for the miscreants. 

Denying the allegations, Mokhlesur said in reality, two sides became embroiled in the clash and several people from both sides were injured.

Dr Taslima Nasrin of the upazila health complex on Saturday evening said: “Aminul has signs of injuries on his head and hands. His head has been bandaged and he was advised to do an X-ray of his hand.” 

However, his condition is stable, she added. 

OC Sarwar said: “Police went to the spot upon receiving the news. However, as of Saturday evening, the assaulted journalist has yet to file a complaint. Legal action will be taken after receiving a complaint.”