Barishal, Bangladesh – Two photojournalists were violently assaulted, and a motorcycle was set on fire inside a court premises in Barishal, southern Bangladesh, in what authorities are calling a politically motivated attack. The incident occurred on Thursday when members of the student wing affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) allegedly targeted the journalists as they were covering events at the courthouse.

According to police reports, the two journalists—N. Amin Russell and Moniruzzaman—sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

Following the attack, a formal complaint was lodged on Friday by Khalid Saifullah, General Secretary of the Barishal Reporters’ Unity, at Kotwali Model Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Mizanur Rahman confirmed that charges have been filed against the accused for unlawful entry into the court premises, physical assault, vandalism, and issuing death threats.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers not only beat the journalists but also smashed their cameras, destroyed two mobile phones, and stole cash from them. In a shocking display of violence, a motorcycle belonging to one of the journalists was set ablaze at the court’s main entrance.

Authorities have launched an investigation, vowing to hold those responsible accountable. The attack has sparked widespread concern over press freedom and journalist safety in Bangladesh, particularly in the face of rising political tensions.