Why Was Another Journalist Brutally Attacked with Hammers and Rods in Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
In a distressing incident in Kushtia, Bangladesh, journalist Firoz Ahmed faced a brutal attack, marking the fourth such case this month. This alarming trend highlights the escalating violence against media personnel in the country, raising significant concerns about press freedom and safety.
Key Takeaways
- Firoz Ahmed was attacked in Kushtia, marking a worrying trend for journalist safety.
- This incident is the fourth reported assault against journalists this month.
- The police are investigating, but no formal complaints have been filed yet.
- Journalists are uniting to demand justice and better protections.
- Public outrage over violence against media personnel continues to grow.
Dhaka, Aug 11 (NationPress) A local newspaper reporter sustained significant injuries following a vicious attack in Kushtia district, Bangladesh, on Monday, according to reports from local media.
The incident occurred in Mirpur upazila, where Firoz Ahmed, a journalist for the local daily 'Daink Ajker Sutropat' and joint general secretary of the Upazila Press Club, was assaulted with hammers, rods, and bricks.
This marks the fourth assault case reported in August, highlighting the increasing violence against journalists in the South Asian nation.
The Officer-in-Charge of Mirpur Police Station, Mominul Islam, confirmed the situation, stating, "Although we have not yet received any formal complaint, we are actively investigating to ensure the perpetrators face justice."
According to local residents and the victim's family, tensions escalated days prior when the families of Firoz and the primary suspect, Milon, engaged in a dispute over a conflict involving their children, as reported by the Bangladeshi media outlet UNB.
In the early hours of Monday, Milon and several accomplices allegedly ambushed Firoz while he was heading to the mosque.
After the attack, locals transported him to the Upazila Health Complex, from where he was later transferred to Kushtia General Hospital.
Hossain Imam, the resident medical officer, indicated that Firoz sustained severe injuries to his head and legs.
This incident follows a violent attack on another local journalist and his mother in the Lalmonirhat district.
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 under medical care at Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital.
Just a week prior, on August 7, a reporter from a Bangladeshi daily was brutally murdered in Chandana Chowrasta of Gazipur district, shortly after he went live on social media to expose extortion activities in the area.
The video footage of this gruesome act circulated widely on social media, igniting outrage within the media community.
On August 6, another journalist faced a brutal assault by extortionists in the Sahapara area of Gazipur while investigating allegations against battery-powered and CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers.
The 35-year-old victim, Anwar Hossain Sourav, was attacked in broad daylight, reportedly in the presence of law enforcement.
Bangladesh has seen a surge in unprovoked and violent assaults against journalists and other societal members since the interim government led by Yunus took over last year.
Last month, the Awami League reported that 51 journalists from Bangladesh raised alarm over ongoing killings, torture, and harassment of media personnel under the current government.
Furthermore, journalists have demanded an immediate cessation of harassment, justice for deceased colleagues, release for imprisoned journalists, and a revival of the Dhaka Union of Journalists operations.
Point of View
I stand firmly with our reporters, advocating for their safety and freedom to report. The rising violence against journalists in Bangladesh is unacceptable and demands immediate action from authorities to ensure their protection and uphold press freedom.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Firoz Ahmed?
Firoz Ahmed, a journalist in Kushtia, was brutally attacked with hammers and rods, resulting in serious injuries.
How many journalist assaults have occurred in August?
August has seen four reported assaults on journalists, highlighting a disturbing trend of violence.
What is being done about journalist safety in Bangladesh?
Authorities are currently investigating the attacks, but there is a growing demand for stronger protections for journalists.
Who is responsible for the recent violence against journalists?
The violence appears to be linked to escalating tensions within communities and a lack of accountability for attackers.
What are journalists in Bangladesh calling for?
Journalists are demanding an end to harassment, justice for slain colleagues, and the restoration of their unions.
