Journo's father was assaulted by pro-BNP individuals

A local journalist and his father were reportedly beaten by individuals allegedly linked to the pro-BNP group over a minor dispute in Kuakata upazila of Patuakhali on Sunday night. The victims, KM Bachchu, 30, the Kuakata correspondent for Dainik Desh Rupantor, and his father, Yunus Khalifa, 60, are currently receiving treatment at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal.

According to locals, Yunus was speaking with someone at an intersection in Kuakata town around 9:00 pm when an argument broke out between Ali Khandaker, president of the municipal Krishak Dal, and a peanut vendor over an unpaid debt for peanuts. Ali reportedly responded by verbally abusing the vendor for requesting payment.

When Yunus protested, Ali attacked him. Upon hearing of the assault, Bachchu rushed to the scene, only to be assaulted himself by 10-12 people, including Jasim Mridha, vice-president of the municipal unit Sramik Dal, and Ali. They reportedly beat him with sticks, causing Bachchu to lose consciousness. Local residents then took Bachchu and his father to the upazila health complex for treatment.

Bachchu identified Jasim and Ali as the leaders of the attack.

Efforts to reach Ali for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was off. Jasim, however, stated that he witnessed Bachchu being beaten and tried to intervene, but claimed Bachchu attacked him when he attempted to stop the assault.

Tariqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Mahipur Police Station, stated that legal action will be taken if a formal complaint is filed.