Satkhira: Leaders and activists of Jubo Dal allegedly attacked the president of Shyamnagar Press Club, Samiul Monir, within the press club premises in Satkhira on Monday over a report published against them. The incident took place in the afternoon at the Press Club building adjacent to the Shyamnagar Upazila Parishad.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Samiul Monir, who is the Shyamnagar upazila correspondent of Daily Samakal and Dainik Patradut, was assaulted by 25-30 leaders and activists. Among them were Shyamnagar upazila Jubo Dal member secretary Anwarur Islam Angur, along with Bablu, Mizan, and Matleb, who allegedly entered the press club and attacked Monir.
Eyewitnesses and journalists at the scene reported that Monir was dragged out of the building and beaten with bricks, hammers, and iron rods, resulting in serious injuries. Police responded promptly to the information, rescued Monir, and admitted him to Shyamnagar Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
Shakir Hossain, the doctor on duty at the emergency department of the health complex, confirmed Monir sustained serious injuries to the left side of his head. He also had marks of hammer and iron rod injuries on various parts of his body and is currently undergoing treatment.
Khaledur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Shyamnagar Police Station, stated that police quickly acted on the information. They have detained two individuals in connection with the incident and are conducting drives to apprehend the other involved parties.
The attack follows a report published on February 23 in Daily Samakal about alleged sand looting from the Kholpetua-Kapotaksha river, after which Monir had reportedly been receiving threats. Local journalists in Shyamnagar have expressed strong reactions, describing the attack as a direct assault on press freedom, and are demanding immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for those responsible.
When contacted, accused Anwarur Islam Angur did not deny the incident, stating, ‘Monir is a psycho. Discussions are underway with the OC. I will speak later.’