Several journalists were allegedly beaten by police while performing their duties during a special anti-drug drive at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital last night (23 February).
The incident occurred when police launched a special operation in the park as part of a drive against narcotics.
According to witnesses, a group of police officers baton-charged journalists, including Banglanews multimedia reporter Tofayel Ahmed, while they were covering the operation. Despite identifying themselves as journalists, they were allegedly assaulted and physically abused.
Witnesses said that while Tofayel was live on air, a group of police officers approached him without any provocation and began verbally abusing him. When he identified himself as a journalist, the officers reportedly became more aggressive.
They attempted to snatch his mobile phone and repeatedly struck him with batons, witnesses added.
Kawser Ahmed Ripon, a multimedia reporter for Ajker Patrika who was present at the scene, said, “Police attacked journalists without any provocation. When Tofayel was being beaten, we tried to rescue him. But the police members were so aggressive that they also beat us with batons.”
Tofayel Ahmed sustained serious injuries in the assault, with wounds in different parts of his body. He suffered bleeding due to injuries to his head and back.
Colleagues rescued him and rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Deputy Commissioner of Ramna Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Masud Alam said, “Since there is video footage, those involved in beating the journalists will be identified and necessary action will be taken against them.”
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