Journalist Assaulted in Lalmonirhat Following Extortion Dispute Involving Local Political Figure
Photo Collected
A journalist in Lalmonirhat was hospitalized following an alleged assault by a group of men who claimed political affiliation with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Rasel Haque, a district correspondent for the daily newspaper Dainik Dabanol, was attacked on Tuesday afternoon at the Railway Muktamancha area in Lalmonirhat town. A video of the assault has since circulated on social media. Haque sought medical treatment at Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital following the incident.
Haque filed a formal complaint with the Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station that night, naming Rashidul Islam, 45, and Shamim Mia, 26, among a group of 10 to 12 unidentified individuals. In his complaint, Haque alleged that since the political transition in August 2024, Islam has been engaging in extortion and intimidation in the Mahendranagar area while identifying as a local BNP leader. Haque stated that he was repeatedly pressured to pay bribes ranging from 50,000 to 75,000 taka to reside in his own home, with threats of false litigation if the demands were not met.
The complainant further alleged that when he failed to pay, two cases were filed against him. During Tuesday’s assault, Haque claimed that Islam, Shamim, and their associates approached him while he was resting with colleagues, grabbed him by the collar, and demanded 75,000 taka. When he refused, the group reportedly beat him, knocked him to the ground, and attempted to strangle him. Local bystanders intervened to rescue Haque before the attackers fled the scene.
Rashidul Islam has denied the allegations of extortion. He countered that Haque was a cadre of the now-banned Jubo League before August 5, accusing the journalist of utilizing political connections to engage in extortion and harassment under the guise of police authority.
The assault has drawn condemnation from the media community. S.R. Shariful Islam Ratan, president of the Bangladesh Press Club’s Rangpur divisional committee, issued a statement on social media demanding the immediate arrest of the suspects and warning of widespread protests if legal action is not taken.
SAD Ahmed, the officer-in-charge of Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station, confirmed that both parties have submitted complaints. He stated that police are investigating the incident and promised that appropriate legal measures would follow.
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