Narayanganj, May 5 (V7N) - Two journalists from a local newspaper were physically assaulted while photographing illegal sand and brick storage around the historic Masdair Resistance Monument in Narayanganj. The incident occurred around 3:00 PM on Sunday and has raised serious concerns about press freedom and the protection of historical landmarks.
 
The injured journalists, Milon Biswas Hridoy, a reporter, and Habib Khandaker, a photojournalist from the local daily Ujjibito Bangladesh, had gone to the site to document alleged encroachment and unauthorized business activities by a local trader named Salauddin.
 
According to Ujjibito Bangladesh acting editor Md. Kabirul Islam, the monument marks the location where the first armed resistance against the Pakistani occupation forces took place during the 1971 Liberation War. The Masdair Resistance Monument was built during a previous BNP government to preserve the memory of that historic struggle.
 
However, in recent years, the area surrounding the monument has reportedly been occupied by individuals using it for commercial purposes, particularly for storing and selling construction materials like sand and bricks.
 
When the journalists began photographing the site for a report, they were allegedly attacked by Salauddin and his associates. Local residents who witnessed the assault intervened and rescued the two journalists, who were then taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
 
One individual has since been detained in connection with the attack. Law enforcement officials have stated that an investigation is underway, and further legal action will follow based on the evidence.
 
Journalists' associations and press freedom advocates have condemned the assault and called for swift justice. The incident has also reignited public debate about the protection of national heritage sites from illegal occupation and misuse.
 
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