3 journalists beaten by UP chairman

A journalist was beaten up by a union parishad (UP) chairman of Nabiganj, Habiganj for reporting on the misappropriation of relief materials.

Aushkandi UP Chairman Muhibur Rahman Harun and his men assaulted journalist Shah Sultan Ahmed on Wednesday following a Facebook live about irregularities in the distribution of relief goods among the needy.

When journalists M Mujibur Rahman and Bulbul Ahmed came to his aid they too were assaulted.

Sultan had spoken to many locals before exposing the misconduct of the chairman in a Facebook live, titled “Ashun oshohay dinmojurder moner kotha shuni” (let’s hear what the helpless have to say).

According to local residents, recently UP Chairman Muhibur Rahman Harun distributed relief provided by the government. However, he handed out only 5kg rice where the provision was for 10kg.

When the matter came to light, the chairman along with 20-25 goons attacked Sultan with local weapons. Muhibur Rahman himself beat Sultan with a cricket bat.

On hearing of the incident, the correspondent of Doinik Amar Shongbad, Mujibur Rahman, and Channel S’s correspondent Bulbul Ahmed, went to Sultan’s rescue but were injured when they also came under assault.

Locals rescued Shah Sultan and took him to Nabiganj upazila health complex in a critical condition, where the doctor on duty referred him to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital.

Injured Bulbul Ahmed said: “The UP chairman was angry with Shah Sultan for exposing his misconduct and so attacked Sultan with his men. They also attacked me when I went to save Sultan.”

He said the chairman had previously hurled threats at Sultan.

Bishwajit Kumar Paul, Nabiganj upazila nirbahi officer, said: “Appropriate action will be taken against whoever is found related to the attack on the journalist in Nabiganj.  Not even the UP chairman is beyond the law.”

He also said: “I have visited the journalists in the hospital. If they press charges we will make sure to arrest the offender.”

Nabiganj police station OC Azizur Rahman said: “I have heard about the attack on the journalists but do not know the details. We will take proper action after a case is filed.”