Chhatra Dal leader allegedly assaults journalists, torches their motorbike in Barishal
Local journalists staged a protest, blocking the road and demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible
A Chhatra Dal leader, Sohel Rahri, and his associates allegedly assaulted two journalists, vandalized their equipment, and set their motorcycle on fire at the Barishal District and Sessions Judge Court gate this afternoon (27 March).
According to locals, Sohel Rahri is the organising secretary of Barishal district unit of Chhatra Dal.
The journalists - Nurul Amin Russell and Monirul Islam - were hospitalised with injuries.
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Monirul Islam stated that they had gone to the court to cover the bail hearing of an Awami League leader at the court.
"After completing our assignment, we were leaving on a motorcycle when a group of 10-12 people, including the Chhatra Dal leader, stopped us, forcibly pulled us off, assaulted us, and set their motorcycle ablaze," he said.
Nurul Amin Russell added, "They vandalised our cameras and mobile phones. We were simply doing our job."
Following the incident, local journalists staged a protest, blocking the road and demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. They withdrew after an hour upon assurances from the authorities.
Shahin Hafiz, bureau chief of Daily Ittefaq, condemned the attack, calling it "heinous" and demanding swift action.
The general secretary of Barishal Reporters Unity also called for the arrest of the perpetrators, emphasizing the need for journalists to work safely.
Sohel Rahri could not be reached for comment regarding the incident.
Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mizanur Rahman said an investigation is underway.
"Legal action will be taken if a complaint is filed," he said.
