Journalist attacked in Bangladesh; case filed alleging social feud motive
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A case has been filed against five individuals following an alleged attack on journalist Sabuj Shahriar in Jhenaidah's Harinakundu upazila.
- The victim's brother alleges the attack stemmed from a social feud and that the assailants used hammers, iron rods, and bamboo sticks.
- The journalist, who sustained severe injuries, is being treated at Kushtia Medical College Hospital; no suspects have been arrested yet.
A case has been filed against five named individuals after a journalist was allegedly attacked with hammers, iron rods, and bamboo sticks in Jhenaidah's Harinakundu upazila. Sabuj Shahriar, the Harinakunda upazila correspondent for the daily Kalbela, was reportedly attacked around 9:00 PM on June 3 as he was returning home from a local shop.
According to the case statement, 10 to 12 individuals, including some identified as supporters of Joradaha Union Parishad Chairman Zahidul Islam Babu, carried out the assault. Shahriar, who was rescued by local residents and his family, was initially taken to Harinakundu Upazila Health Complex. His condition worsened, leading to his referral to Kushtia Medical College Hospital.
Sabuj is a resident of my village. Although the attackers may be my supporters, I had no knowledge of the incident. Even if someone supports me, I cannot be held responsible if they commit wrongdoing.
Selim Reza, the elder brother of the victim, stated that the attack was rooted in a social feud within the area. He detailed Shahriar's severe head injuries, a broken leg, and other bodily harm. Chairman Zahidul Islam Babu, while acknowledging that the alleged attackers might be his supporters, denied any knowledge of the incident and stated he could not be held responsible for their actions. As of the report, no suspects have been apprehended.
Sabuj is currently undergoing treatment at Kushtia Medical College Hospital. He sustained severe head injuries, one of his legs has been broken, and he suffered injuries to various parts of his body.
Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.