Four journalists were allegedly abducted, confined, and assaulted in Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha on Saturday afternoon while returning from covering an administrative crackdown on illegal sand extraction. During the ordeal, assailants snatched their mobile phones and recorded staged videos after forcing cash into the reporters’ hands.
The injured media workers are Anwar Hossain Shamim, ajrul Islam, staff reporter for the local newspaper Janasena; and journalist Pappu Sarkar. Following the attack, all four were admitted to Gaibandha General Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
The incident stems from a mobile court operation conducted earlier that afternoon against the unlawful extraction and stockpiling of sand. Led by Palashbari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Aminul Islam Bulbul and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Al Yasa Rahman Tapadar, the drive resulted in the seizure of illegally stored sand alongside four sand-laden tractors. The four reporters had been at the site fulfilling their professional duties, gathering information and recording video footage of the enforcement action.
Trouble struck as the journalists were travelling home in a CNG-run auto-rickshaw. Upon reaching the Ambari area along the Palashbari-Ghoraghat road, nine men arriving on three motorcycles intercepted their vehicle. According to the victims, a group of 10 to 15 individuals—led by Palashbari Upazila Chhatra Dal Member Secretary Sohel Rashid Hridoy and Palashbari College Chhatra Dal Member Secretary Md. Majedul Islam—forced them out of the auto-rickshaw, took them into a nearby room, and locked the door before launching a physical assault.
To prevent the reporters from seeking help, the attackers confiscated their mobile phones and switched them off. In an apparent attempt to discredit the journalists and fabricate a narrative of extortion, the assailants allegedly shoved money into the victims’ hands and filmed them on video. Such brazen acts of intimidation against field reporters covering environmental offences have sparked deep concern among local media professionals over press freedom and personal safety.
Contacted regarding the attack, Palashbari Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Akhtar Hossain said he had heard about the incident and described it as deeply unfortunate. He stated that appropriate legal action would be taken once the victims lodge a formal complaint. Meanwhile, UNO Aminul Islam Bulbul confirmed that he was aware of reports concerning the confinement and assault of the journalists, noting also that the sand-laden vehicles seized during the afternoon’s drive had subsequently been released.
