Allegations Against BNP Leader Over Public Assault of Journalist in Chattogram

In Chattogram city’s Andarkilla intersection, a journalist was allegedly beaten in broad daylight by a group of men, leaving him seriously injured.
The victim, Mohammad Belal Uddin—Banshkhali correspondent for Shomoyer Konthoshor and Dainik Shomoyer Alo—is currently undergoing treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, 12 August, at around 4:30 p.m.

Victim’s Account: A Pre-Planned Attack

Belal Uddin has claimed that the attack was premeditated.
According to his statement, he was lured to the Andarkilla area through a phone call, during which the attackers mentioned a supposed news report on toll exemptions to entrap him.

“I was injured to the point that surgery might be required. This was no coincidence—it was an orchestrated assault. I demand justice,” Belal said.

Background to the Incident

In a recent investigative report, Belal Uddin exposed illegal sand extraction from the Kutubdia Channel in Banshkhali.
The report identified a dredger allegedly owned by Rezaul Haque Chowdhury, former Member Secretary of Banshkhali Upazila BNP and former Chairman of Chanua Union.

Following the publication, Belal reported receiving multiple threats.

Alleged Perpetrators

The following individuals have been accused in connection with the assault:

Accused’s Response

Mohammad Nurunnabi has denied orchestrating the attack, claiming that Belal is a “collaborator of the Awami League”.
He alleged that they intended to hand Belal over to the police, but he fled the scene, adding:

“It was the public who beat him.”

Law Enforcement’s Position

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Karim of Kotwali Police Station stated:

“We will take legal action once a written complaint is submitted.”

Call for Protection of Press Freedom

The incident has sparked renewed calls from journalists’ associations and rights groups for urgent measures to ensure the safety of journalists and to protect freedom of the press in Bangladesh.