Journalist Assaulted in Shariatpur Following Social Media Criticism of Press Club Wall Demolition

SHARIATPUR — A journalist in Shariatpur was hospitalized on Sunday after being assaulted by a group of men, resulting in a broken right arm. The victim, B.M. Israfil, who serves as the Shariatpur correspondent for Somoy TV, was attacked near the Shariatpur Press Club premises in the Aminbag area of the city.

Israfil has identified the attackers as being led by Palash Sardar, the son of Shariatpur Press Club President and local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Vice President Abul Hossain Sardar. The victim stated that the assault was a direct retaliation for his social media criticism regarding the demolition of the press club’s boundary wall.

According to local journalists, the District Administration ordered the demolition of three sides of the press club’s boundary wall on Saturday night. In response, Israfil posted a protest on Facebook featuring photographs of Abul Hossain and Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum. Israfil told reporters that he had contacted the Deputy Commissioner to inquire about the demolition, and she informed him that the action was taken with the consent of the press club president.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among the local press corps. On Sunday afternoon, journalists held a protest march and human chain in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office. During the demonstration, protesters surrounded Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum as she attempted to pass through the area, demanding her immediate removal from her post.

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Addressing the controversy, Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum stated that the land allocated to the press club was vested property, which prohibits the construction of permanent structures. She claimed the administration intended to acquire the land for the expansion of an adjacent park and had informed the press club president prior to the wall’s demolition. She added that since the journalists were unwilling to vacate the land, the administration would rebuild the boundary wall as it stood previously.

Abul Hossain Sardar, the press club president, expressed embarrassment over the attack on Israfil. While he acknowledged that his son and his associates were angered by the Facebook posts, he denied prior knowledge of the planned assault. “I will ensure my son faces justice for this incident,” he said. Attempts to reach Palash Sardar for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone remained turned off following the attack.

Tanvir Hossain, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) for Shariatpur, stated that while authorities are aware of the demolition of the boundary wall, no formal complaint regarding the physical assault has been filed with the police. He noted that the department is investigating the situation and remains ready to provide legal assistance once a complaint is submitted.