The role of Shahbagh Police Station has come under scrutiny after Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists allegedly assaulted Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders and campus journalists inside the station premises on Thursday evening.
At least ten members of Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) were injured in the attack, which took place within the police station compound.
Despite the violence unfolding inside the station, police were alleged to have remained silent spectators, with no official explanation given over their inaction.
Earlier in the day, JCD activists reportedly beat and harassed journalists in two phases at the university’s Hall Para and Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall.
Those injured include DUJA President Manjur Hossain Mahi of Kaler Kantho, Khalid Hasan of Desh Rupantor, General Secretary Liton Islam of Agamira Somoy, Samsuddoza Nabab of Dhaka Tribune, Mohammad Iftekhar Hossain Sifat of Dhaka Mail, Harun Islam of Naya Diganta, Asaduzzaman Khan of Manab Zamin, and Naimur Rahman Emon of Daily Observer.
Among them, Mohammad Iftekhar Hossain Sifat sustained serious injuries to his eyes and face and was taken to Dhaka University Medical Centre for treatment.
DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair and Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary Musaddiq Ali, elected from the Shibir-backed panel, sustained minor head injuries.
The violence followed circulation of a screenshot of a Facebook post attributed to Abdullah Al Mahmud, considered close to the Shibir-backed panel that swept the DUCSU elections.
The post was alleged to contain derogatory remarks about prime minister Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman.
Although Abdullah denied the post, saying the screenshot was fake, JCD activists continued to threaten him online.
Fact-checking platform Rumor Scanner later said the image had been manipulated using artificial intelligence to make another person’s post appear as Abdullah’s.
It was also learned that some Awami League and Chhatra League-affiliated accounts encouraged JCD activists online to respond, urging them to defend the honour of Tarique Rahman and Zaima Rahman.
The same account is suspected of being behind the manipulated post.
As tensions escalated, Abdullah went to Shahbagh Police Station to file a General Diary seeking protection, accompanied by Amar Ekushey Hall Student Union General Secretary Ubaidur Rahman Hasib and two others.
JCD activists also gathered at the station to file a case against him, surrounding the premises with large numbers.
The attack on journalists took place when they arrived to cover the situation.
Eyewitnesses said Jago News correspondent Ferdous and RisingBD reporter Sourav Islam were obstructed when attempting to record video.
When DUJA President Manjur Hossain Mahi protested, journalists were pushed out amid the chaos.
JCD activists were heard chanting slogans including, “Shibir and journalists do not go together.”
The journalists were later attacked again by another group led by JCD Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall leader Abujar Gifari Efat.
After the situation calmed, JCD leader Obaydur Rahman Samith, who was involved in the initial attack, repeatedly called DUJA President Mahi to apologise.
When contacted, he said he would speak to the media after speaking with Mahi.
“I have just returned from Chattogram. I have heard about the matter and am looking into it,” said JCD Central General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.
