Journalist Hospitalized After Targeted Assault in Kuakata

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A local journalist and tourism advocate was hospitalized in critical condition following a violent assault by a group of men in the Kuakata tourist hub late Friday night. K.M. Bachchu, who serves as a local representative for a national daily newspaper and president of the Kuakata Tourist Boat Owners Association, was attacked while standing outside the Saikat Hotel at approximately 11:00 p.m.

Eyewitnesses reported that the incident began when an individual identified as Bayezid approached Bachchu to confront him over a news report. The verbal exchange quickly escalated into physical violence as Bayezid and several associates reportedly attacked Bachchu with sticks and hammers. The assailants fled the scene, leaving the victim with severe injuries to his head and body.

Bachchu was initially rushed to the Kuakata 20-Bed Hospital for emergency stabilization. Due to the severity of his head trauma, medical staff later transferred him to the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for advanced treatment. Medical officer Abdul Baten confirmed that the victim sustained multiple lacerations and blunt force trauma.

The victim’s brother, Sohag Khalifa, has formally accused Bayezid, who serves as the religious affairs secretary of the local municipal Jubo Dal, along with Ward 8 Chhatra Dal president Shahid Sikdar and a local resident named Harun Musulli, of orchestrating the attack. Attempts to reach the accused for comment were unsuccessful as their mobile phones remained switched off following the incident.

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Leadership within the local political branches has distanced the organizations from the violence. Kuakata municipal Chhatra Dal convener Jobayer Ahmed and Jubo Dal president Syed Mohammad Faruque both pledged to investigate the matter and initiate disciplinary proceedings if any of their members are found to be involved.

Local law enforcement officials confirmed that they have inspected the crime scene. Mohipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shamim Hawlader stated that while police are aware of the situation, they are currently awaiting a formal written complaint before proceeding with a criminal investigation.