Case filed against 'unidentified' students for attacking journalists during quota reform protest

A case has been filed against unidentified students for allegedly attacking journalists amid the ongoing protest demanding quota reform in government jobs. 

The complaint was lodged by Syed Asaduzzaman, senior manager of human resources and administration at Shomoy Television, at the Shahbagh police station yesterday (13 July) night.

Akhtarul Islam, additional deputy commissioner of police (Ramna Division), confirmed the filing of the case over the phone.

According to the case documents, on 11 July at around 6:20pm, Shomoy Television's senior reporter Toha Khan Tamim, 37, and cameraman Shumon Sarker, 36, were verbally abused by the protesters, who said, "Grab the Shomoy TV camera." The protesters then started hurling large brick chips at the journalists, one of which struck Tamim's left hand.

The complaint further states that the protesters attempted to snatch the camera and live broadcasting equipment from Shumon. They also forcibly removed the helmet from Tamim's head and hit him with the intent to kill. 

Besides, the protesters allegedly issued death threats to both journalists.

Since 2 July, university students have been holding sit-ins, organising marches and blocking roads and highways, demanding the reinstatement of the 2018 quota cancellation circular.

The High Court on 5 June ordered the government to retain the 30% freedom fighter quota in government jobs. 

It also declared illegal the circular issued on 4 October 2018 cancelling the quota system.

Soon after the order, students announced their non-stop movement.