Chattogram Correspondent: The increasing frequency of attacks and harassment against media professionals has once again raised pressing concerns about the safety of journalists and the future of democracy in Bangladesh. On Wednesday, April 30, around noon, two journalists—Osman Ehtesham, columnist and General Secretary of the Chattogram Sangbadik Sangstha and journalist Md. Jahangir Alam—were brutally assaulted while investigating corruption at the office of the 19th South Bakalia Ward Councillor in Chattogram. While collecting video evidence of alleged corruption and irregularities, the journalists were attacked by hired goons reportedly acting on the instructions of Samar Krishna De, the ward secretary, and Md. Monsurul Alam Manik, the birth registration assistant. Former General Secretary of Bakalia Thana Sramik Dal Md. Abdul Barek, along with associates Faruk, Kabir, and Sohag, allegedly carried out the assault. The attackers smashed the journalists’ camera and tripod, and snatched their mobile phones and cash. Though the phone was later recovered with the help of Baklia police, the money and other journalistic equipment were not retrieved. Jahangir Alam received treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital for his injuries.
Earlier, while heading to the ward office to interview Md. Manik regarding registration irregularities, the journalists encountered a woman who claimed she had paid BDT 700 to have a birth registration corrected. At their request, she accompanied them to the ward office. There, they found Manik locking up the office at 2:45 PM and preparing to leave. When confronted, he admitted in front of the ward secretary to taking the money and refunded BDT 600 to the woman. Moments later, Manik and the secretary allegedly called in hired thugs, who then violently attacked the journalists. Reportedly, individuals who had earlier submitted corruption complaints are now living in fear for their safety.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from the journalist community in Chattogram. Leaders of the Chattogram Journalists Association termed the attack a serious threat to press freedom and democracy. “We demand swift justice and strict action by law enforcement,” said the association’s Senior Vice President. Concerned citizens from three wards in Baklia also denounced the attackers, calling them extortionists and criminals masquerading as political figures. “True politicians serve the public, not harm them for temporary gain,” said a local resident.
Journalist organizations have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved and urged authorities to ensure a safe working environment for media professionals.
According to the local police, an investigation has been launched, and they have pledged to take strict legal action against the perpetrators.
Victim Jahangir Alam stated, “Their goal is to undermine the achievements of Bangladesh and discredit popular parties like the BNP by associating such criminal acts with its name.” He demanded the swift arrest of the culprits and the restoration of a free and safe environment for journalism.
Osman Ehtesham added, “We have been investigating corruption in this ward office for over three and a half months. More than a thousand video clips have already been submitted to our central office in Dhaka, which will be made public soon. Only death can silence our pens—not fear.”
This attack once again highlights the grave risks journalists face when exposing corruption in institutions funded by public money. Such violence has no place in a democratic society. Without ensuring press freedom and journalist safety, good governance and accountability will remain out of reach.
It is high time for the government, law enforcement, and civil society to act collectively to create a secure environment for journalists and ensure exemplary punishment for those who attack them.
