Mob Attack at DRU Sparks Outrage Among Journalists: ‘This is Fascism,’ Say Critics

Staff Correspondence

Dhaka, August 29, 2025 – A violent mob attack on a roundtable discussion organized by “Manch 71,” a platform of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War freedom fighters, at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) has drawn sharp condemnation from journalists and civil society. The incident, which saw former minister and freedom fighter commander Abdul Latif Siddique and five others detained by a mob led by alleged activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, has been labeled as an assault on free speech, mob terrorism, and a form of “fascism” by media professionals. The event, held on August 28, 2025, was disrupted by attackers identifying as “July Warriors,” who assaulted participants, including revered freedom fighters, before handing them over to the police.

Details of the DRU Incident

On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at around 12:15 PM, a group of individuals, led by Al Amin Rasel and claiming to be “July Warriors,” stormed the DRU during a roundtable discussion organized by “Manch 71.” The attackers, reportedly affiliated with BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, barricaded the venue, tore down banners, and physically assaulted attendees. Among the victims were Abdul Latif Siddique, Dhaka University Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon, journalist Munjurul Islam Panna, and freedom fighter Golam Mostafa. The mob also injured Keshob Ranjab Sarker, who suffered a head wound, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) Joint General Secretary Abdullahi Kaiyum, who was attacked near Baishakhi Hotel on Topkhana Road while leaving the DRU. Munjurul Islam Panna, a detained journalist, posted on Facebook: “I was attending the ‘Manch 71’ event for freedom fighters when it was attacked. Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon and I were taken to the Detective Branch (DB) office.” He described the incident as a deliberate attempt to suppress the event. The attack was led by Shibir leader Shakib Ahmed, a resident of Ghagtiya village in Kulaura, Moulvibazar, who is linked to Jamaat-e-Islami’s central leadership, including Shibir General Secretary Sadiq Kayem and Dhaka University Shibir President SM Forhad. Shakib was also reportedly involved in vandalism at Dhanmondi 32 earlier. Freedom fighter Golam Mostafa, who was assaulted, said, “I came to the program, not for any political agenda, but because all freedom fighters were invited. We started the event, and Latif Siddique was present, though Kamal Hossain did not attend. Suddenly, 20-25 individuals stormed in, created chaos, and surrounded us.”

Journalists Condemn Attack as Assault on Free Speech

The attack has sparked widespread outrage among journalists, who view it as an attack on freedom of expression and the sanctity of the DRU, a premier organization for professional journalists. Habibullah Mizan, International Secretary of the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB), wrote on Facebook: “Mob terrorism at DRU is a slap in the face of democracy. As a DRU member, I am deeply ashamed. This is nothing short of fascism.” He added, “I may not agree with their views, but I unconditionally stand for their right to express them.” Sheikh Kalimullah, a former CRAB Finance Secretary and DRU member, called the incident a “stain” on the organization’s history, noting that such an event was unprecedented. Morsalin Mizan, another DRU member, expressed dismay, stating, “This disgraceful incident at DRU is unprecedented. We suspect it was allowed to happen. Freedom fighters were humiliated, and their roundtable was sabotaged. The DRU is supposed to ensure freedom of expression, but today’s events have put it under scrutiny. The current executive committee must be held accountable.” Critics have pointed fingers at DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, chief crime reporter for Jamaat-affiliated Dainik Naya Diganta, and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, a journalist with Hefazat-e-Islam’s Dainik Inqilab. Both are allegedly linked to Jamaat-e-Islami’s political network and have faced accusations of failing to ensure security at the DRU. Morsalin Mizan demanded answers, stating, “How did terrorists enter the DRU premises? How could they take control of the auditorium and create havoc for so long? The leadership must explain.”

Police Response and Detentions

Following the attack, police detained six individuals, including Latif Siddique, Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon, and Munjurul Islam Panna, citing security concerns. The identities of the other three detainees remain undisclosed. Shahbagh Police Station’s Sub-Inspector Rashed stated, “We had no choice but to take them away. Senior officials will decide the next steps.” Shahbagh OC Khalid Monsur clarified, “I was not at the scene, but the ADC was present. Six or seven individuals were taken to the DB office for their safety.” Deputy Commissioner (DC) Masud Alam of Ramna Division added, “Latif Siddique and others were taken into DB custody for their protection. We will consult with seniors to determine further actions.” At the scene, a broken table in the DRU auditorium and ongoing commotion were observed, with several participants remaining shaken.

Political Motives Behind the Attack

Paltan Thana Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shamim Hossain, who was with the “July Warriors,” claimed, “A group is trying to pit 1971 against 2024 to undermine the latter.” The attackers labeled “Manch 71” as an Awami League front, accusing it of destabilizing the interim government. Videos circulating online show the mob assaulting Siddique, Professor Karzon, and other freedom fighters while chanting anti-Awami League slogans. The incident has raised concerns about growing political violence and the targeting of liberation war veterans. “Manch 71” was formed to counter efforts to erase or distort Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War history, and its events aim to unite citizens against such conspiracies. The attack has drawn parallels to mob vigilantism, with critics arguing it reflects a broader erosion of democratic values.

Broader Implications

The DRU attack underscores rising tensions in Bangladesh’s polarized political landscape. The targeting of freedom fighters and journalists has intensified calls for accountability and stronger security measures at public forums. The interim government faces mounting pressure to address mob violence and ensure the safety of those advocating for the nation’s liberation legacy. As investigations continue, the incident has cast a shadow over the DRU’s reputation as a safe space for discourse. Journalists and civil society leaders are demanding answers from the organization’s leadership and urging authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.