Journos face brutal attack: One hacked to death, another hit by brick

In two consecutive days of brutal violence against journalists in Gazipur, one reporter has been killed and another seriously injured in separate attacks, sparking alarm across the media community.

Asaduzzaman Tuhin, 40, Gazipur correspondent for the daily Dainik Pratidiner Kagoj, was hacked to death at Joydebpur intersection on Thursday afternoon (August 7).

Bason Police Station OC Shahin Khan confirmed the murder. He said that police have recovered the body and investigation is underway.

According to eyewitnesses, a group of unidentified assailants ambushed Tuhin and attacked him with sharp weapons, slitting his throat. He died on the spot. The incident caused panic in the area.

Tuhin, a longtime resident of Gazipur, was known for his fearless reporting on sensitive local and national issues.

Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, journalist Anwar Hossain of the daily Bangladesher Alo was publicly assaulted near the Sadar Metropolitan Police Station in Gazipur. A video shared widely on social media shows several individuals brutally beating Anwar with sticks and bricks near an unauthorized fruit market by the Joydebpur railway line.

In the footage, the attackers strike him repeatedly, with one individual seen jumping on his chest. Onlookers, including police officers, did not initially intervene. Eventually, a police officer stepped in and rescued him in critical condition.

Anwar was admitted to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed multiple injuries, including serious damage to his legs.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Crime) Taherul Haque Chauhan stated: “We are reviewing the video footage and taking necessary action. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Legal measures will be taken against those involved.”

Anwar’s mother, Anwara Begum, has filed a complaint with the Sadar Metro Police Station, identifying several suspects in the attack. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to file a case regarding Tuhin’s murder, according to police officials.