Rangpur, May 13 (V7N): The Rangpur Journalists Union has issued a strong condemnation and demanded the immediate arrest of seven individuals accused in a mob attack on five journalists at Rangpur Kaunia Mirbag Degree College. The incident occurred while the journalists were performing their professional duties, investigating reports of irregularities during an examination.

According to reports, the journalists were allegedly targeted for entering the toilet, carrying a bag, using a mobile phone, and recording video related to suspected malpractices during a festival. The attackers reportedly ambushed and physically assaulted the journalists, also vandalizing their cameras and other equipment.

Hamidur Rahman, a Bijoy TV journalist injured in the attack, has filed a case at Kaunia Police Station against seven individuals, including the college principal Joynal Abedin. The Rangpur Journalists' Association has vehemently condemned this "heinous attack" and is demanding the immediate arrest and trial of all those responsible.

Sources indicate that the trouble began when the journalists went to the college to investigate reports of fake papers being provided during a third-year honors examination. The college principal and teachers allegedly incited students to form a mob, which then attacked and beat the journalists, also damaging their camera equipment.

The other journalists who were victims of the attack are Shahin Alam Sabu (cameraman of Bijoy TV and the Photo Journalists Association), Mehedi Hasan (reporter for Plus TV 24 Online), Mashiur Rahman (cameraman for Plus TV), and Al Amin (cameraman).

A separate case has been filed at the Rangpur Kotwali Police Station on behalf of the victim journalists, accusing the seven individuals of intentionally obstructing them from performing their professional duties, as well as creating riots and disrupting government work.

The Rangpur Journalists Union, in a statement, asserted that "This attack is not only on journalists, but it is a direct attack on freedom of expression." They reiterated their demand for the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the seven accused.

Rangpur City Press Club President Swapan Chowdhury echoed this sentiment, demanding a swift investigation and justice for the victims.

Eyewitness accounts allege that the attack was initiated by the principal, Joynal Abedin, and teachers Tuhin Hossain and Saiful Islam, who allegedly incited others to join in. The subsequent mob attack resulted in serious injuries to all five journalists.

The plaintiffs in the case detailed the events in their statement, alleging that on May 7, 2025, around 3:30 pm, after receiving credible information about the distribution of fake examination papers, they went to the campus of Mirbagh Degree College with proper authorization. Upon confirming the reports, they began recording video evidence. At this point, the seven accused, including Principal Joynal Abedin and lecturers Tuhin Hossain and Saiful Islam, allegedly conspired to lure the journalists into the administrative building. Once inside, 20-25 unidentified individuals, allegedly acting on the orders of the principal, attacked the journalists with nail-studded objects, causing severe injuries. Journalist Hamidur Rahman stated that accused Tuhin Hossain repeatedly struck him on the head with an iron rod, causing serious head injuries. Shahin Alam Sabu reportedly sustained broken bones and severe injuries to his hands and body. During the assault, the accused allegedly stole a Vijay TV camera and microphone and Tk 1860 from Hamidur Rahman. The journalists also allege that they were threatened with death by sharp weapons and forced to sign blank non-judicial stamp papers. Fellow journalists, including Swapan Chowdhury and Humayun Kabir Manik from the City Press Club, reportedly rescued the injured journalists and took them to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Leaders of the Rangpur Journalists Union have strongly condemned the attack, demanding exemplary punishment for Principal Joynal Abedin and his alleged accomplices. They highlighted the principal's significant wealth in Rangpur city, questioning how such an individual could orchestrate such violence. Journalists expressed their deep concern, emphasizing that this incident is a direct assault on press freedom and demanding the immediate arrest and severe punishment of all seven accused.

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