10 DU journalists injured in Chhatra League attack; 12 suspended

Activities of the unit was also suspended in a decision made by the ruling Awami League’s student wing

The central committee of Bangladesh Chhatra League has suspended for life 12 activists of Dhaka University’s Surya Sen Hall unit for their involvement in the attack on journalists last night.

Activities of the unit was also suspended in a decision made by the ruling Awami League’s student wing.

Police detained three Chhatra League activists of the hall committee in this connection. They are Shariful Islam, Bidyut and Abdul Halim.

At least 10 students, who are also university correspondents at different media, sustained stab injuries when some activists of Chhatra League attacked them on the campus last evening.

Galib Ashraf of the Daily Independent, Masudur Rahman of Somoy Television, Monirul Islam of Jamuna Television, Arafat Sarkar Setu of Asian TV, Farazuddin of the daily Bangladesh Pratidin, Zahid Hasan of The Report, Mahmudul Hasan of Banglanews24, Rafiqul Islam of the daily Kaler Kantho and Reza Akash of the daily Manob Kantha were among the victims. They were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition.

Some 25 followers of Surya Sen Hall unit Chhatra League President Mobarak Hossain carried out the attack, witnesses said.

A three-member probe body led by central committee Vice-President Joydev Nondi was also formed to look into the matter, Chhatra League President Badiuzzaman Sohagh said.

The suspended activists are Mizanur Rahman, Bidyut, Shariful Islam, Sohagh, Nobel, Mehedi, Mokhlesur Rahman, Khokan, Hamid, Zakir, Rahat and Parvez.

Witnesses said the Chhatra League men attacked the journalists following an altercation.

The students of mass communication and journalism department, who work for different media, were playing a football match at the Mall Chattar – in front of Surya Sen Hall – immediately after the iftar.

The Chhatra League men asked them to leave the ground immediately. As they refused to leave the place, the Chhatra League activists equipped with sharp weapons and sticks launched the attack leaving at least 10 journalists injured.

When contacted, Chhatra League leader Mobarak denied the involvement of his followers in the incident claiming that some outsiders might have done it.

Proctor Amzad Ali said strict action would be taken against the attackers.

Source: Dhaka Tribune