Swechchhasebak Dal activists injure 6 journalists, vandalise camera

At least six journalists were injured and a camera was vandalised in an alleged attack by activists of the Swechchhasebak Dal at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur on Sunday morning.

The incident occurred around 9:30am while journalists were covering a wreath-laying programme marking Martyred Intellectuals Day.

The injured journalists were identified as Fakhrul Islam, staff reporter of Jugantor and president of the Multimedia Reporters Association (MRA); Mahbub Alam Shraban of Somoyer Alo; Rakib Hasan and video journalist Shahriyar Rakib of Jago News; Saimum Mobin Pallab of Banglanews; and Mahmud Al Mamun Maruf, multimedia reporter of Dhaka Post.

According to the journalists, a Swechchhasebak Dal activist, identified as Sohag, obstructed video recording by repeatedly standing in front of cameras. When asked to move aside, he allegedly reacted aggressively, and the situation soon escalated as he and several others attacked the journalists.

During the incident, the camera of photojournalist Dalim was smashed.

Fakhrul Islam said the attackers grabbed his shirt and attempted to seize his equipment while he was carrying out his professional duties. Mahbub Alam Shraban said he was assaulted when he protested against the attack on Fakhrul Islam.

Following the incident, a local Swechchhasebak Dal leader, Hafiz, expressed regret over the incident and assured compensation for the damaged equipment.

The Multimedia Reporters Association strongly condemned the attack, terming it unacceptable, and demanded the immediate identification of those responsible and legal action against them. The organisation also urged political groups to ensure a safe environment in which journalists can perform their duties without intimidation or violence.

KR/MHK/NMA