Dhaka, Bangladesh – March 20, 2025: A violent attack on journalists covering a political event in Dhaka has sparked outrage among media organizations and press freedom advocates. At least six journalists were injured on Wednesday when they were allegedly assaulted by political activists affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Two of the injured journalists confirmed to The Rummage that BNP activists were directly involved in the attack. Local journalist sources reported that BNP members obstructed the political activities of the Jatiya Party, a longtime ally of the ruling Awami League government, citing its past cooperation. In the process, journalists covering the event were also targeted and attacked.

According to the victims, the journalists were physically attacked, their cameras and mobile devices destroyed, and their work obstructed. Among the injured was Hasan Al Sakib, a multimedia reporter for (SA TV), who remains in critical condition. Other victims include reporters Saiful Islam (Asian TV), Masud Shumon (News24), and Pulok Raj (Bhorer Pata), who suffered injuries while attempting to document the event.

According to Pulok Raj, one of the injured journalists, the situation quickly turned dangerous. Speaking to The Rummage, he said, “Journalists faced a terrifying ordeal. We were trapped with no way out. Even after identifying ourselves as journalists, we were physically assaulted.”

Another injured journalist, Masud Sumon, expressed the emotional toll of the attack: “Physically, I am recovering, but mentally, I am deeply shaken.”

The Multimedia Reporters Association (MRA) has strongly condemned the attack, calling it a direct assault on press freedom and democracy. “The continued violence against journalists in Bangladesh threatens the fundamental right to free expression. The government must ensure those responsible are held accountable,” said Akhtaruzzaman, General Secretary of MRA.