Journalists condemn BCL attacks on fellows covering anti-Modi protest

This photo is taken from UNB

Various organisations of journalists condemned the attacks by Bangladesh Chhatra League activists on two journalists covering anti-Modi protest on the Dhaka University campus on Thursday.

The injured journalists are Asif Himadri, Dhaka University correspondent of Prothom Alo, and Abid Hasan Rasel, the university correspondent of Bangla Tribune.

Journalists' organisation at various universities, including Dhaka University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Comilla University, Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, Dhaka College and others condemned the attack and demanded exemplary punishment of the attackers.

In a statement on Friday, Dhaka University Journalists Association President Mehedi Hasan and General Secretary Sazzadul Kabir issued said, "… Attacks on journalists are an extreme threat to independent journalism. Such attacks will recur if the culprits are not punished."

They noted that Himadri was attacked by Chhatra League leaders, including central Vice President Mijanur Rahman Pikul, Salimullah Muslim Hall unit General Secretary Milon Hossain and others.

Chhatra League leaders including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall unit's International Affairs Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Jahurul Haque Hall's Joint General Secretary Amir Hamza, Bangabandhu Hall's Deputy Cultural Secretary Tansen Seikh, Bijoy Ekattor Hall's Office Secretary Majharul Islam Tamim attacked Rasel, the statement added.

Himadri and Rasel were taken to Dhaka Medical College for treatment. Later, Himadri was admitted to Dhanmondi's LabAid Hospital.

The students of Dhaka University's mass communication and journalism department will arrange a human chain tomorrow on the campus protesting against the attack.

At least 20 people were injured after BCL activists attacked the leftist progressive student alliance on Fuller Road, said Anik Roy, a former general secretary of the student union.