20 journos injured in attack outside Barishal court

At least 20 local journalists were injured as supporters of Bakerganj Union Parishad Chairman Shahidul Islam Hawlader, also an accused in fraud case, attacked them on Barishal court premises this afternoon.

Barishal Press Club General Secretary SM Jakir Hossain said some 13 out of the injured 20 journalists were admitted to hospital for treatment.

An initiative has been taken to discuss further actions in the press club over the incident, said SM Jakir Hossain.

Witnesses said a Barishal court sent Shahidul Islam Hawlader and four others to jail in a fraud case in the afternoon.

When Shahidul was being taken to jail from the court prison cell, supporters and relatives of Shahidul stopped the journalists to take his (Shahidul's) photos and videos.

Ignoring the obstacle, as the journalists were taking photos and recording videos, Shahidul's supporters attacked them, said local daily Bhorer Alo photo journalist N Amin Russell.

The attackers threw brick chips toward journalists and vandalised five of their motorcycles and several cameras, he said.

Attacks were carried out in several phases where nearly 20-30 lawyers' assistants joined in the attack on journalists.

Kotwali Model Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Azimul Haque said a large number of police have been deployed in the court premises. The situation is now under control.

The OC said there have been several clashes there. Several people of both the groups, including journalists and lawyer's assistants, were injured.

"No one lodged any complaint in this connection. We will take steps through investigation after a complaint is filed," the OC told our Barishal correspondent.