Daily Star journalist assaulted by activists in Jhenaidah

A journalist from The Daily Star was physically assaulted and received death threats while covering a program in Jhenaidah attended by Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman. Omar Ali Sohag, the Jhenaidah correspondent, was attacked on Saturday afternoon in front of the Muktamancha on the Old DC Court premises.

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He accused me of reporting negatively against the government and labelled me as an Awami League accomplice before shoving me out.

According to Sohag, the incident began when Asif Iqbal Makhan, president of the Jhenaidah Press Club and joint general secretary of the district BNP, confronted him. Makhan reportedly accused Sohag of negative reporting against the government and called him an Awami League accomplice before shoving him. Sohag alleges that Makhan then instructed local Chhatra Dal activists to assault him.

Sohag managed to move away but was approached by 15 to 20 Chhatra Dal members who questioned his actions and began beating him. He received initial treatment at Jhenaidah 250-bed General Hospital and subsequently filed a general diary (GD) with Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station. Sohag believes the attack was retaliation for a Daily Star report published on July 15 concerning the demolition of a sculpture in Jhenaidah.

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I managed to get away and stood near a tea stall. However, 15 to 20 Chhatra Dal men approached me there, questioned why I took photos of the minister's programme, and started beating me.

Makhan, when questioned, admitted to confronting Sohag and asking him why he was taking photos, but denied any knowledge of a physical assault. Law Minister Asaduzzaman stated he witnessed Makhan questioning Sohag but was unaware of further details. He advised Sohag to pursue legal recourse by filing a case if the attack indeed occurred, promising support if legal action was taken.

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Makhan became furious over the report and had been threatening me ever since.

Journalist leaders, including the current and former presidents of the Jhenaidah Press Club, have strongly condemned the assault. The incident highlights concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the region.

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No, I do not.