Journalist Hacked in Broad Daylight Over Reports on Drug Trade

❐ Local correspondent

Serious allegations have been made against Md. Belal Uddin, the admin of a Facebook page called ‘Fatikchari Sanglap’, for publishing news against drugs in Fatikchari, Chittagong.

The attack took place on Friday afternoon, November 13, at the busy Bibirhat market in the upazila’s Sadar. The young man, who was being taken to the hospital in a bloody state, went live on his Facebook page and broke down in tears, pleading for his life.

The injured Belal Uddin is currently undergoing treatment at the Fatikchhari Upazila Health Complex.

Fatikchhari Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Touhidul Alam said that Belal has an injury to his stomach and is undergoing treatment. If necessary, he may be sent to Chittagong Medical College (CMC) Hospital for advanced treatment.

According to local and eyewitness sources, Belal Uddin went to Bibirhat market on personal business after Friday prayers in the afternoon. At that time, he was walking in front of the shop of local meat trader Shamsul Alam alias Kasai Shamsur when he was attacked with a knife. Later, local people rescued him in a seriously injured condition and rushed him to the hospital.

Police and local sources said that Shamsul Alam was arrested by the police a few days ago on charges of drug dealing. Later, after being released on bail, he suspected that Facebook page admin Belal was behind his arrest. It is initially believed that he planned the attack out of anger.

Belal went live on his Facebook page ‘Fatikchari Sanglap’ while being taken to the hospital after being stabbed, covered in blood.

In a tearful voice, he can be heard saying that Kasai Shamsu and his associates have put him in this situation for publishing news against drugs. On live broadcast, he repeatedly pleaded with the countrymen to save his life, which instantly went viral on social media and caused intense anger among the locals.

In this regard, Fatikchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rabiul Alam Khan said that initial investigation revealed that the attack on Belal took place due to publishing news against drugs.

The accused, Shamsul Alam alias Kasai Shamsu, is a resident of North Rangamatia area and sells meat in Bibirhat market. He said that strict legal action will be taken against the person involved in this incident.