It has been alleged that the Chhatra League attacked the journalists as the scene of the clash between the two sides was recorded in Thakurgaon. The attack took place at Mandalpara village in Senua union of Sadar upazila on Saturday afternoon. Four journalists were seriously injured.
They are Tanvir Hasan Tanu from Ittefaq and Independent TV, Sohail Rana from News Bangla, Mohiuddin Talukder Himel from Risingbd and Zahid Hasan Milu from Dhaka Mail. They were rescued and admitted to Thakurgaon Adhunik Sadar Hospital. The condition of Tanu among the injured is critical.
It is learned that the candidates are continuing their campaign ahead of the 7th phase Union Parishad (UP) elections on February 7. As part of this, Awami League nominated chairman candidate Nobel Kumar Singh and independent candidate BNP leader Matiur Rahman had a program at the same place in Mandalpara on Saturday.
This caused a clash between the supporters of both the candidates. At one stage, local Chhatra League activists, who were supporters of the boat symbol, broke tree branches and prepared for the attack. They attacked the journalists while trying to capture that scene. Cameras and mobile phones were snatched. At that time, there was a chase between the supporters of both the candidates. Locals rescued the injured journalists and took them to hospital.
Denying the allegations, the boat’s candidate, Noble, said the Chhatra League workers were not; Instead, supporters of independent candidates have attacked journalists.
Thakurgaon Press Club organized a protest rally at the city’s crossroads on Saturday evening demanding exemplary punishment for the attackers on journalists. The leaders demanded immediate return of the snatched camera and mobile phone and arrest of the accused.
Thakurgaon Sadar Police Station OC Tanvirul Islam said, “Necessary action will be taken if a written complaint is received from journalists.”