Jamaat Expels 4 Members over Journalist Assault
Collected Photo
Jamaat-e-Islami expelled four members following the assault on a journalist in Dhanmondi on Tuesday.
Dhaka City South branch of the party took action after an investigation committee confirmed their involvement in the attack on Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir, a multimedia reporter for Dainik Sokal.
The violence erupted following a protest march, when a dispute began over a question the reporter asked party activists. Shishir was attacked and required treatment at a hospital before being sent home.
The expelled individuals include Shafiqul Islam, a ward secretary under the New Market Police Station who was the most aggressive, and Abul Kalam, a rukan (highest-tier member).
Also expelled were Rukan candidate Khairul Alam Rasel and Mamun Hossain, a party supporter and former Shibir leader.
Dhaka City South Assistant Secretary Mohammod Delwar Hossain told Agamir Somoy, “We have expelled those whose involvement was found in the incident of beating the journalist. We are looking for two people who were aggressive. No one among us can recognize them.”
He added, “Jamaat always believes in independent journalism. Journalists’ safety is something Jamaat has always advocated for. The incident that occurred is undesirable. We do not support such behavior. We apologized quickly and expelled those involved. We will be more vigilant in the future.”
Following the assault, multimedia reporters threatened to boycott Jamaat activities if justice was not served, prompting an official apology from the Jamaat’s Central Committee and the formation of an investigation committee led by Nurunnabi Manik.
Central Committee Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer said, “The role of journalists is vital in building a democratic and accountable society. Attacking or using violence against journalists performing their professional duties is never acceptable.”
He noted that the party does not tolerate unwanted behavior or breaches of discipline, confirming that organizational action has been taken and will continue in the future.
