How Brutally Were a Journalist and His Mother Assaulted in Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh, a journalist and his mother faced a brutal assault by local criminals, shedding light on the escalating violence against media personnel. As tensions rise, this case raises urgent questions about the safety of journalists in the region and calls for accountability and justice.
Key Takeaways
- Assault on journalists is escalating.
- Local crime exposure can lead to violent retaliation.
- Immediate action is required from authorities.
- The safety of media personnel is crucial for democracy.
- Community support can help protect journalists.
Dhaka, Aug 10 (NationPress) A local journalist and his mother were severely attacked by a group of assailants in the Lalmonirhat district of Bangladesh, authorities reported on Sunday. This incident contributes to the alarming rise of violence directed at journalists in the South Asian country.
The victim, Helal Hossain Kabir, 32, serves as the executive editor of Alormoni, a weekly publication in Lalmonirhat. Both he and his mother are currently receiving medical treatment at Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital, according to local media.
In the aftermath of the assault, a case was lodged against 11 individuals. The primary suspect, Sohrab Hossain, 48, was apprehended late Saturday night.
“We are actively pursuing the remaining suspects. Once the investigation is concluded, a charge sheet will be filed with the court. My team and I have already visited the injured at the hospital,” stated Mohammad Nurnabi, the Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station, as reported by leading Bangladeshi daily, The Daily Star.
Dr. Samina Hossain Chowdhury, the Resident Medical Officer at the hospital, reported that the journalist suffered injuries to his head, face, hands, and legs but is currently out of danger.
Kabir recounted the events leading to the attack, stating, “Approximately five or six months ago, a local criminal named Abdul Aziz was caught gambling in our village. He and his associates suspected I was involved in exposing their activities.”
“The day after his arrest, Aziz was released on bail. Since then, he and his gang have persistently harassed and threatened me,” Kabir elaborated.
He mentioned that he filed a General Diary at the local police station on May 1 after receiving a death threat.
“Last evening, around 8 p.m., they invaded my home, severely beat me, and dragged me outside. They used bamboo sticks and iron rods to assault my face, head, hands, back, and legs. When my mother attempted to intervene, she was also attacked,” Kabir claimed.
Local residents intervened and rushed them to the hospital.
This incident follows the public murder of a reporter in Chandana Chowrasta, Gazipur district, just hours after he went live on social media to expose extortion practices among local street vendors.
The deceased, 38-year-old Asaduzzaman Tuhin, was a staff reporter for 'Daily Protidiner Kagoj'. A video of his murder on August 7 went viral, provoking outrage within the media community.
On August 6, another journalist was brutally attacked by extortionists in Sahapara, Gazipur while investigating claims of extortion from auto-rickshaw drivers.
The 35-year-old victim, Anwar Hossain Sourav, a staff reporter for 'Bangladesher Alo', was assaulted in broad daylight, reportedly in the presence of law enforcement.
Recently, the Awami League party indicated that 51 journalists from Bangladesh have expressed deep concerns over the ongoing violence, torture, and harassment against media personnel under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
The journalists are demanding an immediate halt to harassment, justice for slain colleagues, bail for imprisoned journalists, and the restoration of the Dhaka Union of Journalists' operations.
Bangladesh has witnessed numerous violent attacks against journalists, police officers, minorities, and individuals associated with the Awami League since the Yunus-led interim government took power last year.
Point of View
We stand firmly with journalists facing violence and harassment. The alarming rise in attacks against media personnel in Bangladesh is unacceptable and demands immediate attention. It is crucial to foster a safe environment for journalists to operate freely. We advocate for justice and protection for all media workers, ensuring their voices remain heard.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the journalist in Bangladesh?
A local journalist, Helal Hossain Kabir, and his mother were brutally assaulted by a group of miscreants in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh.
Who were the attackers?
The attackers are believed to be associates of a local criminal named Abdul Aziz, who suspected the journalist of exposing their activities.
What actions have been taken by the police?
A case has been filed naming 11 individuals, and the prime accused, Sohrab Hossain, has been arrested.
How is the journalist's health?
The journalist is currently under medical supervision at Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital and is reported to be out of danger.
What is the current situation for journalists in Bangladesh?
There is a growing concern regarding the safety of journalists in Bangladesh, with increasing incidents of violence and harassment reported.
