A journalist has been attacked by a mob in Jhenaidah’s Maheshpur. Shamim Osman, office secretary of the Maheshpur Press Club, was attacked around 5 p.m. at Sastar High School field.
According to local sources, the incident stemmed from a football match at Sastar High School field between Hudo village and Shibanandapur village. During the match, boys from Hudo village attacked Zakir Hossain, a prospective member candidate for Ward 3 of Natima union.
Journalist Shamim Osman was standing by the road at the time and began recording the altercation on his mobile phone. Anwar, a local Chhatra Dal leader from Hudo village, and boys with him noticed this. A group of 10 to 12 people, led by Anwar and including Abdullah, Bilal and Sabbir, then launched a sudden attack on the journalist. When Osman identified himself as a journalist, they reportedly said, “We’ll put an end to your journalism.” They then repeatedly attacked Shamim Osman from behind and in front, using hockey sticks, black plastic pipes and homemade weapons. Osman fell to the road. As he tried to get up and leave, they caught him again and beat him brutally. Local residents rescued the bloodied journalist and took him to Maheshpur Hospital.
According to hospital sources, Shamim Osman needed seven stitches to his head. His legs and hands were also injured from being struck with sticks. The Maheshpur Press Club president and the wider journalist community have expressed deep concern over the incident and immediately issued a protest.