Two journalists were brutally beaten with rods by activists of Kabi Nazrul College Chhatra Dal, BNP’s student wing, on Wednesday while they were filming a clash between two rival factions of the organisation, witnesses said.
The injured journalists – Bipul Sheikh of Daily Campus and Obaidul Haque of Sonali News – were first taken to Dhaka National Medical Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital as their condition deteriorated.
The attack occurred around noon in front of the college’s main gate. According to eyewitnesses, the clash between the two groups stemmed from an altercation between college Chhatra Dal Convener Irfan Ahmed Fahim and Member Secretary Nazmul Hasan during a concert organised by the student organisation on Pohela Baishakh.
When journalists approached the scene to cover the commotion, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists, including joint convener Rocky, Evan Sabbir, and activists Ujjal, Jibon, Mashrafe, Saif, and Sabbir, allegedly snatched their phones and began beating them with rods.
Bipul Sheikh said, “Chhatra Dal leaders and activists were fighting at the campus gate. I started recording video for news coverage. They obstructed me, snatched my phone, and after I identified myself as a journalist, Rocky swore at me and struck my hands and legs with a rod.”
Obaidul Haque echoed a similar narrative, “When I tried to record the incident, Rocky took away my phone, threw it away, started punching me, and then struck my head and legs with a rod.”
Kabi Nazrul College Journalists’ Association President Atik Hasan Shubho condemned the attack and demanded punishment for those responsible.
College Chhatra Dal Convener Irfan Ahmed Fahim called the incident “deeply regrettable” and said organisational action would be taken against those involved. Central Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib assured immediate action.
College Principal Professor Mohammad Habibur Rahman said, “I have received a written complaint. We will take action after investigation.”
