Rupganj, Jan 12 (V7N) — Two journalists were brutally attacked with iron pipes in Rupganj, reportedly in retaliation for their reporting on local crimes and land disputes. The incident occurred on Sunday around 11:30 am in Southbagh Hindupara area of Rupganj Union.

The victims, Rashedul Islam, staff reporter of Daily Manabkantha, and Nazmul Hasan, a journalist with Asian Television, were hospitalized at Rupganj Upazila Health Complex after the attack. Rupganj Police have filed a case and arrested one suspect in connection with the assault.

According to the police and the victims, Rashedul Islam has long reported on local criminal activities and land grabbing incidents involving influential political figures. The main suspect, Afzal Hossain, along with Zakir Hossain, Zainal, Sukhen, and several others reportedly affiliated with local Awami League politics, allegedly engaged in illegal land seizures and other criminal activities, sometimes in collaboration with former minister Golam Dastagir Gazi.

The attack appears to have been premeditated. Rashedul Islam and colleagues had previously reported on a case that led to the arrest of Afzal Hossain on August 5 of the previous year. Victims say the attackers sought revenge for the news coverage.

On Sunday morning, Rashedul Islam visited a plot of his land in Southbagh with Nazmul Hasan when Afzal Hossain and four to five unknown accomplices attacked them. The assailants beat both journalists with iron pipes, leaving them seriously injured. Passersby intervened, causing the attackers to flee after issuing threats.

Rashedul Islam subsequently filed a case at Rupganj Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Sabzel Hossain confirmed that a suspect, Afzal Hossain, has been arrested, and operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining attackers.

Authorities have urged journalists and citizens to report any threats and emphasized that law enforcement will take strict action to ensure the safety of media personnel and uphold the rule of law in the area.

END/MD/SMA/