Mymensingh, Nov 30 (V7N) – Four journalists were injured in Trishal upazila while performing their professional duties in an attack led by Union BNP leader and UP member Saiful Islam Swapon. A case has been filed at Trishal Police Station, and two individuals, including Swapon, have been arrested in connection with the incident. The attack has drawn strong condemnation from Trishal Press Club, Mymensingh Divisional Press Club, and leaders of various political parties.

The injured journalists are Matiur Rahman Selim, former general secretary of Trishal Press Club and Samakal’s Trishal correspondent; S. M. Masud Rana, associate member of Trishal Press Club and Sakal’s correspondent; Abdullah Al Fahad of Kalbela; and Rakibul Hasan Sumon of Naya Shatabdi.

According to the journalists, the incident occurred on Saturday at around 9:30 a.m. when they visited Purba Para in Ward No. 4 of Harirampur Union to carry out their reporting duties. Shortly after arriving, they were attacked by Swapon and his associates armed with local weapons. The attackers seized mobile phones, cameras, wallets, and motorcycle keys from the journalists.

Following the initial assault, under Swapon’s direction, Habibur Rahman Zia and 15–20 unidentified individuals continued to attack Matiur Rahman Selim and S. M. Masud Rana, beating them severely and detaining them. Local residents intervened to rescue the journalists. During the rescue attempt, Abdullah Al Fahad and Rakibul Hasan Sumon were also assaulted.

Other members of Trishal Press Club and local police arrived at the scene and rescued the journalists. Matiur Rahman Selim and S. M. Masud Rana were admitted to Trishal Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

Officer-in-Charge of Trishal Police Station, (OC) Monsur Ahmad, confirmed that a case has been filed regarding the attack. He added that two individuals have been arrested, and efforts to apprehend the remaining attackers are ongoing.

The attack has sparked widespread outrage among media organizations and civil society, who condemned the assault on journalists performing their professional duties.

END/EH/SMA/