At least 10 journalists were among those injured in an alleged attack involving activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, a student wing of the BNP, outside Shahbagh Police Station on Thursday evening.
The incident took place around 7:30pm amid heightened tensions in the area, reportedly triggered by the circulation of a Facebook photocard that led to confrontation between Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists.
Journalists and some Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) leaders were also caught up in the violence.
According to reports, Chhatra Dal activists had gathered at Shahbagh in protest over alleged derogatory remarks involving Zaima Rahman, daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, chanting slogans against Chhatra Shibir.
Later, Shibir activists led by Ducsu leaders AB Zubair and Musaddiq reportedly went to the police station, where they were allegedly attacked, prompting them to take shelter inside the station.
Earlier, Dhaka University Shibir leader Abdullah Al Mahmud was present at the police station.
He has been accused of sharing a controversial Facebook photocard, although he denied the allegation, claiming the post was fake and stating that he had gone to file a general diary (GD).
Meanwhile, journalists covering the situation near Shahbagh Police Station alleged that they were attacked while performing their professional duties. Victims said they were confronted and beaten after being asked, “What kind of journalists are you?”
At least 10 journalists were injured in the incident, including Manjur Hossain Mahi of Kaler Kantho, Liton Islam of Agamir Shomoy, Shamsuddoza Nawab of Dhaka Tribune, Mohammad Iftekhar Hossain Sifat of Dhaka Mail, Harun Islam of Naya Diganta, Asaduzzaman Khan of Manab Zamin, and Naimur Rahman Imon of The Daily Observer.
Dhaka Mail journalist Mohammad Iftekhar Hossain Sifat sustained serious injuries to his eye and face and was taken to Dhaka University Medical Centre for treatment.
Dhaka University Journalists’ Association president Manjur Hossain Mahi said journalists were initially obstructed while recording footage at the scene. He added that after identifying himself, he was verbally abused and later attacked in a coordinated manner.
Another journalist, Saurav Islam of Risingbd, alleged he was dragged into a crowd and assaulted after protesting misconduct by a Chhatra Dal activist.
Victims claimed that around 150 Chhatra Dal activists, including leaders from various university halls and units, were present during the incident.
Chhatra Dal’s central general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said he was not present at the scene during the incident, adding that he had just returned from Chattogram. “I was not there at the time of the incident. I have just arrived from Chattogram. We are looking into the matter,” he said.
As of filing this report, law enforcement authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the incident.
