Two journalists 'assaulted' while filming clash between Chhatra Dal factions in Kushtia
The journalists’ phones were seized while they filmed a clash between two Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal factions during State Minister Mir Shah Alam’s visit to Kumarkhali.
Two journalists were allegedly assaulted and had their phones seized while filming a clash between two rival factions of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in Kushtia's Kumarkhali Upazila today (14 October).
The incident took place in Raydanga village of Kaya union after State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam visited Abrar Fahad's grave in Raydanga village of Kaya union in Kumarkhali.
According to locals, two rival factions of Chhatra Dal got into a scuffle as the minister was getting into his car to visit the proposed site of the Shaheed Abrar Fahad Bridge over the Gorai River.
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Johurul Islam, Kushtia district correspondent for Star News, was filming the scuffle when a man identified as Munna, reportedly a district Chhatra Dal activist, allegedly verbally abused him, shoved him and took his phone.
"Even after I identified myself as a journalist, I was harassed. Another Chhatra Dal activist also tried to drag me away," Johurul added.
Describing the incident, Johurul said the scuffle between the two Chhatra Dal factions began while the state minister was present.
"I was recording the scuffle as part of my professional duties when they took my phone away. If journalists are attacked and harassed like this while carrying out their professional duties, where is their security?" he added.
Johurul called for a proper investigation and appropriate action against those involved.
Momin Islam, Kumarkhali correspondent for Protidiner Bangladesh, was also allegedly punched by Chhatra Dal activists while filming the scuffle, and his phone was taken away.
The journalists reportedly got their phones back after Mozakkir Hossain Rabbi, organising secretary of the Kushtia district Jubo Dal, intervened.
Local journalists demanded an impartial investigation into the incident and legal and organisational action against those responsible.
Efforts by this correspondent to reach Faisal Mahmud, additional superintendent of police in Kushtia, for comments were unsuccessful as he did not answer phone calls.
Mozakkir Hossain Rabbi, organising secretary of the Kushtia district Jubo Dal, also could not be reached for comment despite repeated calls.
