At least seven journalists and a law enforcer were injured in an attack by ruling party activists at Shyamnagar upazila press club in Satkhira on Friday.
The attackers vandalised and plundered many properties from the press club. They also threatened the journalists, saying not to take any steps against them.
Daily Kaler Kontho reporter Akbor Kabir, Daily Jugar Barta Editor Anisuzzaman Sumon, Daily Shomokal reporter SK Shiraj, Daily Shotto-Path reporter Maruf Hossain and Daily Jonota reporter Kamaruzzaman received injuries in the attack.
Akbor Kabir, who was under treatment in the Sadar Hospital, said hundreds of Shyamnagar Sadar and Mazat villagers, led by Labour League leader Liakot Ali, Juba League leader Al-Mamun, and Chattra League leaders Abdur Rahman and Sunnot became locked in a clash, armed with sharp weapons and sticks, following an altercation centring a football match. They also vandalised many shops in the bazar area.
On information, different journalists rushed to the spot and published the news the next day in different local newspapers; that angered the Awami League activists, he claimed.
Consequently, the leaders attacked the journalists with their hundreds of supporters, he alleged.
Julhash Uddin, ASI of Shyamnagar police station, was severely injured trying to protect the journalists form the attackers. The station’s Officer-in-Charge Aslam Khan acknowledged the allegation and told the Dhaka Tribune that the situation is now under control.
“An Awami League activist, Adam Ali, has been arrested in this connection,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shyamnagar Awami League President Jaglul Haidar, along with the party leaders condemned the attack and demanded immediate arrest of the attackers.
