Attack on DRU Employees: Condemnation and Protest

Staff Reporter

Leaders of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) have strongly condemned and protested an attack on its employees by miscreants. The incidents occurred on Friday at 11:00 a.m. near the Segunbagicha High School gate and again at noon in front of the DRU premises. Three employees were seriously injured in the attacks.

The injured have been identified as Zakir Hossain Babul, Zahidul Islam, and Robiul Islam. According to DRU Administrative Officer Md. Solaiman Hossain, the attackers—led by Abdur Rahman (40), Rohan (20), Mosha. Poly Begum, Ali Hossain (25), and Uzzal Mia (32), along with 25-30 unidentified individuals—were armed with rods, machetes, hockey sticks, and other weapons.

The first attack targeted Zakir Hossain Babul in the morning. Later, Zahidul Islam and Robiul Islam were assaulted, with Zahidul sustaining a severe head injury from a machete strike. The attackers reportedly threatened the employees with death before fleeing the scene. A case has been filed with Shahbagh Police Station regarding the incident.

In a statement, DRU President Abu Saleh Akn and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said, “The assault on DRU employees with deadly weapons was clearly intended to kill. Such acts are unacceptable.” They called on law enforcement agencies to immediately arrest the perpetrators and ensure they face justice, demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The attack has sparked anger and concern among journalists. DRU leaders expressed fears that such incidents might be part of an attempt to stifle the voices of journalists. They have called for a thorough investigation and swift justice in the matter.