Journalist Assaulted in Kishoreganj Mistaken for Political Worker

A shocking incident occurred at Kishoreganj Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital when a journalist was violently attacked while covering news, leaving him seriously injured. The victim, Sabbir Hossain (27), is the district correspondent for the Daily Shomoyer Konthoshobor newspaper.

On Sunday, 8 September, Sabbir Hossain filed a written complaint at Kishoreganj Sadar Model Police Station. In the complaint, he identified Hasibul Hossain Shanto (30) and several unidentified individuals as the assailants.

According to the complaint:

• At around 11:00 am on Monday, Sabbir was reporting on the ongoing student reform movement inside the hospital.
• Around 1:00 pm, while conducting interviews with several students, Hasibul Hossain Shanto and 3–4 accomplices suddenly attacked him.

Initially, the attackers verbally abused him, insisting that their statements should be taken first. Sabbir calmly requested them to wait until he finished the students’ interviews. Enraged, the assailants physically attacked him, grabbing his shirt collar and repeatedly hitting and kicking him.

The journalist sustained injuries to his nose, mouth, and other parts of the body, including a cut lip causing bleeding. Nearby students intervened and rescued him.

Hasibul Hossain Shanto later admitted the attack occurred because he mistook Sabbir for a political worker: “Some non-revolutionary elements had joined the anti-discrimination student movement and  the former NCP committee. I thought Sabbir was one of them and did not realise he was a journalist.”

Ekram Hossain, convenor of the now-dissolved Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Kishoreganj District Branch, was present during the incident. He expressed deep regret over the attack and assured that journalists would be supported under any circumstances.

The injured journalist, Sabbir Hossain, stated: “I was covering the students’ peaceful protest since morning. Suddenly, they attacked me. I have been seriously injured, including a cut on my lip. I demand proper justice. If journalists cannot be guaranteed even minimum safety, how can we perform our duties? Attacks on journalists are happening repeatedly, yet the administration remains silent.”

The local press community expressed strong condemnation and outrage. Key concerns highlighted include:

• Journalists are increasingly vulnerable while collecting news independently.
• Immediate arrest of the assailants and exemplary punishment are demanded.

Kishoreganj Police Superintendent, Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury, confirmed that the Sadar Model Police Station OC has been tasked with investigating the complaint and will take action according to the law.

Acting OC Abdullah Al Mamun stated: “We have received the complaint regarding the assault on the journalist. The SP has instructed us, and we are taking the necessary measures based on the allegations.”

Summary Table

This incident highlights the growing threats to journalists in the field and the urgent need for effective protective measures to ensure press freedom and safety.