PBI to Further probe attack on DRU journalists
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A court has ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to conduct further investigation into a case filed over an attack and attempted murder of journalists on the premises of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the order on Tuesday.
According to court sources, Tuesday was scheduled for a hearing on the no objection petition filed against the charge sheet submitted by police. The accused appeared before the court for the hearing. The hearing began in their presence.
During the hearing, counsel for the complainant, Prashanta Kumar Karmakar, said the accused had attempted to kill DRU President Abu Saleh Akn by pointing a pistol at him. However, police had sought to acquit three of the accused. He said police had not informed the complainant about the outcome of the investigation, had not questioned eyewitnesses, and had not seized any evidence. He also said the investigation report submitted by police was without substance.
Case complainant Solaiman Hossain was present in court at the time.
Earlier, on the night of May 21, 2025, journalists were suddenly attacked at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. Around 50 unidentified people, along with Zakir Hossain, Beauty Khatun, Ador Akter, Uday Hasan, Hridoy, Antara, Imu, Rana, Kamal and Ratan, took part in the attack carrying pistols, locally made weapons and sticks.
Several journalists, including DRU President Abu Saleh Akn, then Office Secretary Rafiq Rafi, and members Mashiur Rahman, Mahbub Hasan, Delwar Mohin and Mofizul Sadik, were injured in the attack. Police and the army later brought the situation under control.
On the afternoon of May 22, Solaiman Hossain, administrative officer of the Dhaka Reporters Unity, filed the case with Shahbagh Police Station naming 10 people and accusing around 50 unidentified individuals.
After completing the investigation, Shahbagh police sought to acquit three of the accused and submitted a charge sheet against seven others.
