A number of journalists have alleged they were attacked and injured following a political rally in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area on Tuesday morning, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns about press safety in Bangladesh.
The incident reportedly took place around 8:45am near Dhanmondi Road No. 32 after a procession organised by the Dhanmondi Zone unit of Jamaat-e-Islami concluded its programme.
According to reporters present, the march began around 8:30am from Kalabagan, passed through the Sobhanbagh Mosque area, and ended at Road No. 32, where a closing rally was held. The event was held in protest of the 77th founding anniversary of the Awami League, whose activities have been banned.
A multimedia journalist, Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir of Dainik Sokal, said that he was assaulted after questioning the conduct of speakers at the rally.
He alleged that when journalists requested a more coordinated arrangement to facilitate news coverage, tensions escalated.
“After I protested the tone used towards us, they called me an accomplice of fascists and started beating me,” he said, adding that he was pushed to the ground and punched and kicked repeatedly.
He was later rescued by colleagues and taken to a nearby private hospital before returning home after treatment. A roommate said he had sustained injuries to his nose and lips and had been advised rest by doctors.
Another reporter, Maruf Hossain of The News, said, "Journalists were also attacked while attempting to protect their colleague.”
He alleged that at least 10 reporters faced harassment during the incident and that attempts were made to take Shishir away at one point.
Several journalists also claimed that although police and members of the Rapid Action Battalion were present nearby, no immediate action was taken.
However, Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Dhanmondi division chief Saiful Islam said that authorities were not aware of any such situation at the time.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the rally show local leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, including members identified as Mustafizur Rahman, Mujahidul Islam Shahin, Anisuzzaman, and Jahinur Rahman, present at the scene.
When asked about the allegations, Mujibur Rahman Khan, a member of the party’s Dhanmondi Thana working committee, described the incident as ‘unwanted’ and suggested that outsiders may have been involved.
Attempts to contact Matiur Rahman Akhand, a central executive council member and head of the party’s propaganda and media department, for an official response were unsuccessful.
The incident has added to ongoing concerns from media professionals about safety while covering politically sensitive events in the capital.
