Two journalists were attacked while collecting news in Meherpur. They were beaten and their cameras were snatched and vandalized.
The incident took place at Meherpur District Social Service Office on Sunday (November 8) noon.
The victim journalists were Abu Akter Karan, Meherpur district correspondent of television channel DBC and Zakir Hossain, district correspondent of online portal Bangladesh Reuters.
Journalist Abu Akter Karan said various allegations had been raising against Deputy Director (DD) of the District Social Services Department Abdul Quader for long.
The allegations included misuse of government vehicles, smoking sitting at office in front of everyone, sleeping in the office during office hours.
Karan said the news had been publishing in local newspapers and various portals for several days. Karan and Zakir went to the officer to gather information and take his statement.
Karan said when they went to the office around 2 pm, the officer was in the office. However, the room was closed from the inside. When he heard the reporter coming, he left the room and started arguing. At one stage, the journalists were taken to a room and locked up.
Later, several people including DD Abdul Quader, Probation Officer Sajjad Hossain and Abdul Quader’s private driver Milon beat them in the room and vandalized the camera, Karan said.
Upon receiving the news, other journalists of Meherpur went with a police team and rescued the two journalists.
The Daily Star Correspondent when contacted with the Deputy Director Abdul Quader, he received the call and cut off instantly saying that he would talk later.
A case has been filed with Meherpur Sadar Police Station accusing Deputy Director Abdul Quader, Probation Officer Sajjad Hossain, driver Milon Sheikh and several others.
Meherpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shah Dara Khan said the investigation was underway. Subsequent action will be taken subject to the revelation of the incident.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) of meherpur Dr. Mohammad Munsur Alam Khan said he had heard the matter. Necessary action will be taken knowing the details.
