Journalist leaders issue 24-hour ultimatum to apprehend attackers

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists leaders and Narayanganj-based journalists have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to arrest the culprits who assaulted journalists during clashes between supporters of local Awami League lawmaker Shamim Osman and Narayanganj City Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy. They made the announcement in front of Narayanganj Press Club on Wednesday, where they also formed a human chain. The protestors also demanded the withdrawal of Narayanganj police super and deputy commissioner present before the human chain. Journalist leader Omar Faruk threatened to boycott all news events in the area, saying armed goons were involved in the assault. “Journalists always risk their lives in their profession but they are always targeted in these attacks,” he said. Narayanganj Press Club President Mahbubur Rahman Masum also threatened to launch tougher programs if the culprits were not brought to justice. More than 100 people, including journalists and the policemen, were injured when supporters of Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy and Awami League MP Shamim Osman clashed at Chashara in Narayanganj on Tuesday. Mayor Ivy also sustained minor injuries during the clashes over NCC’s decision to evict hawkers from the city’s footpaths. Around 10 journalists were injured in the attack, including Narayanganj Press Club Secretary General Sharifuddin Sabuj , Boishakhi Television's Narayanganj correspondent Rafiqul Islam Rafiq, Bangla Tribune's Narayanganj correspondent and Jamuna TV's staff correspondent Amir Hussain Smith, The Independent's Narayanganj correspondent Mujibul Haque Palash among many others. This article was first published on Bangla Tribune