Journalist beaten, phone smashed at BNP's Gulshan office

A journalist was beaten and his mobile phone smashed after several unidentified individuals assaulted members of the press at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office in Dhaka this afternoon (19 October).

The incident occurred around 4:30pm during an interview session for nomination seekers from the Sylhet division.

Speaking to The Business Standard, the victim Zahidul Islam, reporter of Amar Desh, said, "While trying to enter the office and speak with nomination aspirants in the afternoon, chaos broke out and several individuals physically assaulted me."

"I was recording a video when 3-4 men suddenly dragged me away. They smashed my mobile phone, snatched away my press card, and started beating me. I told them I would delete the video if filming was not allowed, but they didn't listen and threw me out of the office," he added.

Several other journalists claimed that The Daily Star's Sajjad, Naya Diganta's Asim Al Imran, and Jago News' Khalid Hossain were also harassed during the commotion.

The attack has sparked outrage among journalists present at the scene.

When contracted, BNP Media Cell Convener Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel described the incident as "regrettable," adding, "We are aware of what happened and steps will be taken to identify and punish those responsible."

Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan echoed the sentiment, saying he had informed the party's top leaders about the matter.

Meanwhile, the party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and members of the party's Standing Committee expressed concern and directed a prompt investigation into the incident.

Regarding the matter, Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed told the media that he was on his way to the Gulshan office and assured that stern action would be taken against those responsible.

He also pledged to replace journalist Zahidul Islam's damaged mobile phone.