Two journalists among 4 stabbed in Habiganj

Criminals stabbed two journalists among four people in Sayestanagar area under Habiganj district town on Wednesday night.

The injured are Emdadul Haque, 38, acting editor of Dainik Lokaloy Barta, its newsroom editor MR Sayel, 26, computer operator Sohag Ahmed, 22, and office staff Al-Amin, 16. They were admitted to Habiganj Sadar Hospital.

Police said, a gang swooped on the office of the paper around 11:00pm and attacked the four with sharp weapons, leaving them injured.

They also damaged two computers, an office car and furniture, said Nazim Uddin, officer in-charge of Habiganj police station.

As the news spread, Habiganj district journalists blocked Dhaka-Sylhet highway for about one hour, protesting the attack on the newsmen, said the OC, adding that police were raiding different areas to arrest the culprits.

A section of residents of Sayestanagar village carried out the attack over a report published in the newspaper two days ago, he said.

Our Sylhet correspondent adds: At least 57 people, including seven policemen, were injured in a clash between two rival groups over attack on the office of Dainik Lokaloy Barta yesterday afternoon.

Police fired 192 rubber bullets and 27 tear gas shells to bring the situation under control, said OC Nazim Uddin.

Of the injured, 30 were admitted to Habiganj Sadar Hospital while the rest given first aid, he said.

The process of filing a case was going on until filing of this report at 6:00pm yesterday.