Attack on journalist in Dhanmondi: Jamaat expels 4 partymen

The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday expelled four people from it's Dhaka south unit following an attack on a journalist at a party rally in the capital yesterday.

The information was disclosed in a statement signed by Assistant Publicity Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat unit Abdus Sattar Suman.News of the assault on Mahfujur Rahman, a journalist with Dainik Sakal, was sharply criticised, with Jamaat issuing a statement expressing it's regret on the same day.

The latest expulsion decision came following recommendations of the party’s four-member investigation committee formed after the incident.

The expelled individuals are—Shafiqul Islam, Khairul Alam Russell, Abul Kalam, and Mamun Hossain.

The statement says that on Tuesday, an anti-fascist protest rally was held in Dhanmondi at the south unit’s initiative.

After the rally, while speeches were being delivered, an “unfortunate and regrettable incident occurred with journalists present there”.

Immediately after the incident, leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka Metropolitan South visited the home of injured journalist Mahfujur and inquired about his condition, the statement said.

At the same time, central and metropolitan leaders issued statements expressing regret over the incident.

Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) strongly condemned the assault.

Citing eyewitness accounts, video footage and media reports, BJIM said Jamaat leaders and activists had gathered near the demolished Dhanmondi residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ahead of the founding anniversary of the banned Awami League party.

During the gathering, an altercation broke out between activists and journalists covering the event.

Mahfujur was assaulted by several party activists before fellow journalists intervened and rescued him. He repeatedly identified himself as a member of the press and displayed his credentials.

BJIM said the attack constituted a grave violation of press freedom