Journalists Attacked, Phones Snatched in Bangladesh Over Toll Collection Probe

The press club in Lalmonirhat is sounding the alarm after a brazen attack on two journalists who were diligently performing their professional duties. Asaduzzaman Sazu, a correspondent for the Daily Manabkantha, and Abdur Rahim, a correspondent for Ananda TV, were allegedly assaulted and had their mobile phones confiscated while gathering news on suspected excessive toll collection at the Doikhawa Haat market. This incident, which occurred yesterday afternoon, has sent shockwaves through the local media community.

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After receiving complaints from locals about excessive toll collection, I was recording video footage. At that time, BNP leader Noor Islam, along with his associates, attacked me and snatched my mobile phone. They grabbed me by the neck, pushed me, and punched me indiscriminately.

Eyewitness accounts and the injured journalists themselves point to a group led by Noor Islam, a local BNP leader, and former union Chhatra Dal secretary Mazibur Rahman, as the perpetrators of the assault. The journalists were reportedly filming to verify allegations of inflated tolls when Sazu's phone was snatched, and he was physically attacked. When Rahim attempted to document the ensuing incident, he too was allegedly assaulted and had his phone taken.

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We filed a (written) complaint at the police station last night against that BNP leader and several others.

In response to this grave violation of press freedom, a formal written complaint has been lodged at the Hatibandha Police Station. The Lalmonirhat Press Club has strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that such assaults pose a significant threat to independent journalism. They are demanding swift action, including the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved. While Noor Islam has denied the allegations, characterizing the event as a mere argument, the police are investigating the complaint, reviewing video footage, and working to identify all attackers for legal action.

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Such attacks on journalists while performing their professional duties pose a serious threat to independent journalism. We demand the immediate arrest of those responsible and that they be brought to justice.