Court orders PBI to conduct further probe into attack on journalists at Dhaka Reporters Unity
Photo Collected
A Dhaka court on Tuesday ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to conduct further investigation into a case of attempted murder involving an attack on journalists at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) premises in the capital’s Segunbagicha area. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the directive following a motion filed by the plaintiff’s counsel.
Representing the plaintiff, lawyer Prashanta Kumar Karmakar challenged the initial police investigation, arguing that the findings submitted to the court were incomplete and flawed. Karmakar informed the court that the suspects had brandished firearms while attempting to kill the DRU president. He alleged that the initial police report failed to account for the display of weapons, the vandalism of a local tea shop, or allegations of theft. Furthermore, the lawyer contended that investigators had failed to question eyewitnesses, secure evidence, or update the plaintiff on the progress of the case. The police report had previously recommended dropping charges against three of the accused, prompting the plaintiff to file a formal objection.
The incident occurred on the night of May 21, 2025, when a group of approximately 50 individuals, allegedly led by Zakir Hossain, Beauty Khatun, Ador Akter, Uday Hasan, Hridoy, Antara, Imu, Rana, Kamal, and Roton, launched an attack on the DRU premises using firearms, domestic weapons, and sticks. Several journalists were injured in the assault, including DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, former office secretary Rafiq Rafi, and members Mashiur Rahman, Mahbub Hasan, Delwar Mohin, and Mofijul Sadik. The situation was eventually brought under control following the intervention of police and military personnel.
The case was initiated on May 22, 2025, when DRU administrative officer Solaiman Hossain filed a complaint with the Shahbagh Police Station, naming 10 individuals and an additional 50 unidentified suspects. Following an investigation, the Shahbagh police submitted a charge sheet to the court recommending the exclusion of three suspects and the prosecution of seven others. The accused individuals were present in court on Tuesday when the magistrate ordered the transfer of the case to the PBI for a more thorough investigation.
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