A journalist from Kurigram was 'attacked' after publishing an article critical of a BNP leader

Sujan Mahmud, a journalist for the Daily Khola Kagoj and the Rajibpur upazila correspondent, was assaulted in Char Rajibpur upazila of Kurigram. He received initial treatment at Char Rajibpur Upazila Health Complex, according to Dr. Hasibur Rahman, the resident medical officer.

Sujan stated that all the attackers were supporters of Mokhlesur Rahman, the former president of Char Rajibpur Upazila BNP. He explained, "I was having a discussion with my colleagues about news-related matters at the Computer Goli in Rajibpur Bazar when a group of 30 to 35 BNP members, including former joint conveners Anwar Hossain and Sabbir Hossain, former organizing secretary Golam Mostafa, joint convener of Upazila Swechchhasebak Dal Shafi Alam, and Sohel Rana, organizing secretary of Upazila Sramik Dal, approached and attacked me. They beat me up severely."

He continued, "My colleagues managed to rescue me and took me to the Char Rajibpur Upazila Health Complex for treatment."

Sujan had published a report on January 3, accusing the BNP leader of involvement in irregularities. Mokhlesur Rahman, who is currently in Dhaka, denied any knowledge of the incident but stated that he would take action if any of his followers were involved in attacking a journalist once he returned to the area.

Taslim Uddin, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Char Rajibpur Police Station, confirmed he had heard of the assault on the journalist. He added that legal action would be taken if a formal complaint was filed.