The Savar correspondent of The Daily Star newspaper, Aklakur Rahman Akash, came under attack when he went to Bengal Fine Ceramics Ltd factory in Bhagalpur area on Sunday.
Akash, 35, was later taken to Enam Medical College Hospital for treatment. He received injuries to his eyes, head and different parts of the body.
He said the attackers hit him indiscriminately as he took photos of vandalism at the factory around 10:30am. They also snatched his phone.
“A vested has long been trying to take control of the factory. Some 250-300 followers of a faction of the owners launched the attack round 9:30am. They stormed the factory, vandalized furniture and threw the workers out.
“On information, I went to the spot to collect news. But the attackers swooped on me when I was taking photos of the rampage. They also snatched my phone,” the injured journalist said, adding that there were police members present at the scene.
Another journalist named Noman Mahmud rescued Akash and took him to the hospital. He alleged that the police remained inactive during the vandalism.
Professor Motahar Hossain, head of the Ophthalmology Department at the hospital, said: "There was bleeding around his right eye and a part of the cornea was removed. The eye will be checked to see if any other parts have been damaged.”
Savar police station Officer-in-Charge Shah Zaman said: "We went to the hospital after getting the news. We will take action against the attackers if a written complaint is filed.”
