Journalist Beaten at Dhanmondi 32 Over Allegations of Being ‘Awami Collaborator’
Injured Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir
A journalist was allegedly assaulted at Dhanmondi 32 in the capital following a confrontation with reporters after a protest program organized by Jamaat-e-Islami, with eyewitnesses claiming he was beaten after being branded an ‘Awami collaborator.’
The victim, identified as Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir, is a reporter for Dainik Sokal. He sustained injuries during the incident, which took place Tuesday morning.
Earlier in the day, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka Metropolitan South unit held an anti-Awami League protest march in the Dhanmondi zone, marking the party’s 77th founding anniversary. Senior local leaders including Mostafizur Rahman, Mujahidul Islam Shahin, Anisuzzaman, and Jahinur Rahman reportedly participated in the rally.
According to eyewitnesses, after the procession ended, a senior Jamaat leader was brought forward to speak with journalists. At that time, some activists allegedly labeled the reporters present as ‘Awami collaborators,’ triggering objections from journalists. The exchange quickly escalated into a heated argument.
The situation turned violent when several activists reportedly attacked journalists at the scene. Witnesses said Shishir was struck in the face during the assault, causing bleeding from his mouth. Fellow journalists later rescued him and took him to Bangladesh Medical Hospital for treatment.
Dhaka’s Dhanmondi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Saiful Islam told reporters that he was not aware of any confirmed attack on journalists at Dhanmondi 32. However, he said security had been tightened in the area due to concerns over possible deterioration of law and order.
