Attack on Journos: BMDA staffers protest to withdraw case

Some 200 staffers of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) demonstrated at its office premises yesterday, demanding withdrawal of a case over attacking two journalists.

The demonstration was held a day after the main accused of the case Jiban Ahamed, a storekeeper and general secretary of BMDA employees' union, was released from  jail on bail.

On September 5, two journalists -- Bulbul Ahmed and Rubel Islam -- were attacked allegedly by BMDA staffers while the two were telecasting live on the new office timings.

Bulbul filed a case with Rajpara Police Station accusing 17 BMDA staffers -- including the executive director Abdur Rashid and Jiban Ahmed.

Since filing of the case, the BMDA employees joined in a demonstration for the first time.

Jiban -- who was suspended after the attack -- was released on bail on Monday in the case.

Rafiqul Islam, president of Rajshahi Union of Journalists (RUJ), said, "Some corrupt officials have turned BMDA into a breeding ground for criminals."

                    RUJ called a human chain programme in front of its office for today, demanding speedy investigation and justice for the journalists.