2 arrested over attack on journalist in Kushtia

Police have arrested two accused in a case filed by journalist Mahbub Ul Ahsan Ullash, who was attacked while gathering information on allegations of irregularities in road construction work in Kumarkhali, Kushtia. They were arrested from the Elangi area of the upazila on Saturday night, September 19. Later, the arrested were sent to court on Sunday morning, September 20, police said.

The two arrested are Amirul Islam (55) and Maruf Hossain (35). Among them, Amirul Islam is reportedly the uncle of Afzal Hossain, Jamaat-e-Islami Member of Parliament for Kushtia-4 (Kumarkhali-Khoksa) constituency. Maruf Hossain reportedly introduces himself as the MP's personal assistant, according to case-related sources.

Earlier, on Saturday evening, Mahbub Ul Ahsan Ullash, Kumarkhali-Khoksa correspondent of Bangla TV and General Secretary of Kumarkhali Press Club, filed a case on charges of attempted murder with Kumarkhali Police Station. A total of 11 people were named in the case, with 20 to 25 unnamed others also made accused. The First Information Report (FIR) named MP Afzal Hossain's son Shovan Hossain, brother Anwar Hossain and Ruhul Amin, among others.

According to the FIR, allegations were raised over the use of low-quality bricks, sand and brick chips in road construction work from Ganomor to Nabagraha Temple in Kumarkhali municipality. After news was published on the matter, the Upazila Executive Officer and municipality administrator visited the site on Saturday morning to inspect the work. At that time, journalist Ullash was also called there. Later, when he went with his colleagues to film the construction work, the attack took place, according to the FIR.

The case stated that Ullash was hit on the head, under the eye and in various parts of his body in the attack. His complaint said some of the attackers attacked him with hockey sticks, ramda, wooden batons and bamboo sticks. It was also alleged that cameras with the journalists were snatched and vandalised. The case claimed the damaged camera was worth about Tk 1.5 lakh. The injured Ullash was later admitted to Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex.

Following the incident, journalist organisations in Kushtia protested. On Sunday, Kushtia Journalist Union held a human chain in front of Kushtia Press Club. Speakers there demanded the swift arrest of those involved in the attack and exemplary legal action. They said attacks on journalists while gathering news obstruct the environment for free journalism.

Kumarkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Jamal Uddin said a case has been filed over the attack on the journalist and action is being taken against the accused as per the law. Two accused have already been arrested. Police are conducting operations to arrest the others. The accused could not be reached immediately for comment.