Journalist Hurt as Police Clash with Reporters at Suhrawardy Udyan

Several journalists were reportedly assaulted by police while covering a special anti-drug operation at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka last night (23 February).

The incident occurred as officers conducted a crackdown on narcotics in the park. Witnesses said police baton-charged reporters, including Tofayel Ahmed of Banglanews Multimedia, despite their attempts to identify themselves as journalists.

While reporting live, Tofayel was verbally abused by a group of officers. When he clarified his role as a journalist, they allegedly became more aggressive, attempting to seize his mobile phone and striking him repeatedly with batons.

Kawser Ahmed Ripon, a multimedia reporter for Ajker Patrika, said, “Police attacked journalists without provocation. When Tofayel was being beaten, we tried to intervene, but officers struck us as well.”

Tofayel sustained multiple injuries, including head and back wounds that caused bleeding. Colleagues rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

Deputy Commissioner of Ramna Division, Masud Alam, stated, “Video footage exists, and those responsible for the assault will be identified and appropriate action taken.”