What Happened to Journalists Inside Khaleda Zia's Office in Dhaka?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a troubling incident in Dhaka, a journalist faced assault by BNP workers at Khaleda Zia's office. The attack raises serious concerns about press freedom in Bangladesh. Journalists and media organizations are demanding accountability. Will this lead to any significant change in the treatment of journalists in the country?
Key Takeaways
- Assault on journalists highlights safety concerns in Bangladesh.
- BNP workers implicated in a disturbing attack.
- Journalists demand accountability for violence.
- BJIM condemns violations of press freedom.
- Media rights in Bangladesh face alarming regression.
Dhaka, Oct 20 (NationPress) In yet another shocking act against journalists in Bangladesh, a local media reporter was physically assaulted by workers of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at the party chairperson Khaleda Zia's Gulshan office in Dhaka, local media reported.
Jahidul Islam, a staff reporter with the daily newspaper 'Daily Amar Desh', was attacked on Sunday afternoon while filming inside the office, during a scuffle involving party aspirants from the Sylhet division.
"I had been at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office since the morning, gathering news and interviewing nomination seekers. Around 4:30 p.m., nomination seekers began to quarrel and fight with each other," The Daily Star quoted Jahidul as saying.
"When I attempted to capture footage of the incident with my phone, three to four individuals dragged me into a room and assaulted me. They destroyed my phone. When I presented my press ID card, they confiscated it and forcibly ejected me," he continued.
Jahidul claimed that one of the attackers was Mohammad Faisal, an office staff member who serves as the cameraman for the BNP's social media page.
"Faisal broke my phone and assaulted me. Then others joined in and pushed me out onto the main road," he stated.
Reports indicate that several other local journalists faced harassment during this incident.
The occurrence has sparked outrage among journalists who have condemned the violence, the destruction of a reporter's mobile phone, and the confiscation of his ID card as entirely unacceptable.
"The individual who instigated the attack and humiliation of my colleagues at the Gulshan office today, including fellow journalist Jahidul, is Faisal. I haven't seen this man since August 5. His influence is evident. He can sway the party. But such behavior towards journalists is intolerable. I expected the BNP to promptly file a case against him and ensure his arrest," quoted Borhan Uddin, Chief Reporter of 'Jugantor'.
Last week, the Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) expressed alarm over a series of recent assaults on journalists nationwide, allegedly involving local thugs, charity owners, and even law enforcement members.
BJIM strongly denounced these occurrences, labeling them a "serious violation of press freedom and a disturbing setback for media rights in Bangladesh."
Point of View
I stand firmly with the media in condemning the violence against journalists. It is essential for the integrity of democracy that the press operates without fear of retribution. The incidents we are witnessing indicate a serious regression in media rights, and we must advocate for the safety and respect of our journalists. Our commitment to truth and transparency remains unwavering.
NationPress
20/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the journalist in Dhaka?
A journalist was assaulted by workers of the BNP while reporting inside Khaleda Zia's office. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of journalists in Bangladesh.
Who was involved in the assault?
The assault involved several workers from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, specifically naming an office staff member, Mohammad Faisal, as one of the attackers.
How have journalists reacted to this incident?
Journalists have expressed outrage over the attack, condemning it as an unacceptable violation of press freedom and calling for accountability.
What has BJIM said about attacks on journalists?
BJIM has condemned the series of attacks on journalists in Bangladesh, labeling them as grave violations of press freedom and a serious regression for media rights.
What is the significance of this incident?
This incident underscores the dangers journalists face in Bangladesh, raising alarms over press freedom and the need for protective measures for reporters.
