A journalist named Md. Babul Sheikh was reportedly attacked, and his business establishment vandalized and looted over gathering a video related to drug peddling in Nazirpur upazila of Pirojpur. The attackers also allegedly stole Babul's cash.
The incident occurred on Friday morning (September 18) around 9:30 AM at his rod and cement business enterprise, 'Messers Sheikh Enterprise,' located at Rambhudra New Bazar in Ward No. 9 of No. 7 Shekmatia union. The injured Md. Babul Sheikh serves as the Pirojpur district correspondent for Daily Probhat and organizational secretary of the National Journalists Association, Pirojpur district branch.
In a written complaint filed at the Nazirpur police station, Babul Sheikh stated that a few days ago, he received a video via a source regarding local individuals buying and selling drugs. As a journalist, he was collecting, verifying, and investigating information concerning the video, which was saved on his mobile phone. Upon learning of this, the accused reportedly threatened and pressured him to delete the footage.
According to the complaint, when he refused to delete the video, the perpetrators threatened him with death. Continuing this hostility, Md. Nur Islam Moham, Ruhul Sheikh, Hasina বেগম (Begum), Imarat Sheikh, and Md. Liton, along with 2-3 unidentified individuals, forcibly entered his shop on Friday morning carrying iron pipes, steel rods, and sticks. They launched a physical assault and attempted to snatch his mobile phone. Babul Sheikh stated that he sustained injuries across various parts of his body, and when his cries for help drew locals to the scene, the attackers threatened to kill him and dispose of his body. They also allegedly locked his motorcycle with a chain to confine him.
According to the complaint, the attackers fled the scene only after he managed to contact the Nazirpur police station via his mobile phone. The attackers also allegedly took TK 2,20,000 in cash from his shop's cash register. Locals subsequently rescued injured Babul Sheikh and took him to the Nazirpur Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
Regarding the matter, Nazirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Tarikul Islam stated that police have been dispatched to the scene, a written complaint has been received, and legal action will be taken following an investigation. The incident has sparked deep concern among local journalists, who demanded a thorough investigation, verification of the allegations, and the assurance of a safe environment for media personnel to discharge their professional duties.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Hasan Mamun, Pirojpur Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
