Journalist assaulted over report on auto-rickshaw license irregularities in RCC

Tension in front of Rangpur City Corporation office after assault of a Journalist on Sunday. UNB

Rangpur, Sept 21 -- A senior journalist was allegedly assaulted in Rangpur on Sunday after publishing an investigative report exposing alleged irregularities in the issuing of auto-rickshaw licences by the Rangpur City Corporation (RCC).

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among journalist organisations and civil society, with growing demands for the immediate removal of the City Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Umme Fatima.

Around 12pm, Liaqat Ali Badal — a senior reporter for a private television channel and a daily newspaper — was allegedly picked up by a group of men led by Rocky from Kachari Bazar in the city. He was then physically assaulted.

Badal claimed the attack was in retaliation for his reporting on corruption in the auto-rickshaw licensing process under RCC. “On the orders of the chief executive officer and divisional commissioner, ‘Terrorist Rocky’ and his men picked me  from Kachari Bazar and beat me up", he alleged.

"They took me to the City Corporation and tried to force me into the CEO’s chamber to apologise. But I did nothing wrong, so I refused. I want justice,” he said.

Later, when journalists gathered in front of the Rangpur City Corporation to protest the attack, it was alleged that RCC employees attacked the demonstrators and forcefully removed them from the premises.

Two journalists were reportedly injured during the incident.

Sarkar Mazharul Mannan, general secretary of Rangpur Journalists Union (RPUJ), said Badal is a senior journalist and a member secretary of the Rangpur Division Journalist Society. He was publicly picked up and beaten — it’s a disgrace.

“If the attackers are not arrested and the CEO is not removed within 24 hours, we will launch a strong movement,” he warned.

Rezaul Karim Manik, joint general secretary of the union, said, “If journalists are beaten for reporting irregularities, what has changed in the country? If action is not taken quickly to stop this kind of torture, we will start a countrywide movement.”

RPUJ President Salekuzzaman Salek said that the mastermind behind the attack is the CEO of the City Corporation. “She must be withdrawn within 24 hours. Otherwise, we’ll start a larger protest nationwide,” he added.

Shah Bayezid Ahmed, president of Reporters Club Rangpur, said journalists must be able to work independently — that’s the foundation of democracy.

He added that picking up a journalist and beating him over a report is unprecedented and alarming. “We demand the arrest of the attackers and the immediate removal of CEO Umme Fatima.”

Journalist leaders also announced that a fresh protest programme, including a human chain, will be held on Monday at 11am.

Ataur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Rangpur Metropolitan Kotwali Police Station, said, “We have heard about the incident. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and the culprits will be brought to justice. We’ve already identified one suspect.”

When asked, RCC CEO Umme Fatima denied the allegations. “The claims made against me are baseless. No one can prove these. If even a single claim is proven, action will be taken as per the law — and I will accept it,” she said. - UNB