Journalists attacked while filming open-book exam at Open University centre

Allegations have surfaced of students using textbooks to write answers during an exam at a Bangladesh Open University centre in Gangni, Meherpur. Two journalists who went to film the incident were allegedly attacked, beaten, locked in a room, and had their mobile phones and broadcasting equipment confiscated.

The incident occurred on Friday (August 28) during the English first paper exam for first-year BA and BSS students at Kazipur Degree College centre in the upazila. A video of students using books during the exam later went viral on social media.

The attacked journalists are Rabbi Ahmed, district correspondent of Bangladesh Betar and Nagorik Television, and Tarek Hossain, district correspondent of the Daily Khaborer Kagoj.

The journalists alleged that after learning Open University exam-takers were being allowed to use books, they went to the Kazipur Degree College centre. They claimed to have witnessed several students openly using textbooks to write answers in the presence of teachers. When they tried to film the scene, college teacher Moniruzzaman Biplob and others allegedly attacked them, locked them in a room and took their mobile phones and other equipment.

However, the accused teacher, Moniruzzaman Biplob, denied the assault allegations. He claimed the two journalists had demanded a bribe from him before the exam and threatened to publish news if he did not pay. He alleged they came to the exam centre and started filming after failing to get money.

Journalist Tarek Hossain rejected the claim as completely false and baseless.

Following the incident, Rabbi Ahmed and Tarek Hossain received primary treatment at Gangni Upazila Health Complex. Rabbi Ahmed filed a case with Gangni Police Station on Friday evening.

Gangni Police Station Officer-in-Charge Muhaddid Morshed Chowdhury said a complaint had been lodged, and the incident was being investigated seriously. He said all aspects—including who was involved, the motive, and whether the journalists' equipment was taken—would be examined, and legal action would be taken against those found involved.

Meherpur Press Club President Faruk Hossain demanded action against those involved in the attack on journalists and called upon the district administration and education department to treat the matter seriously.