Police say perpetrators behind Narsingdi assault on journalists identified

Briefed on the incident, the IGP instructs the arrest of those involved

Police have arrested three people in connection with the attack on a group of Dhaka-based journalists visiting Dream Holiday Park in Narsingdi for a “Family Day” event.

All perpetrators have now been identified, Narsingdi Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al-Faruk said on Tuesday.

Members of the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB), a national body of crime journalists, were returning from the Madhabdi park on Monday evening when a local gang attacked them with sharp weapons and sticks, leaving around 10 journalists injured.

By Tuesday night, police had apprehended Md Alal Sarkar, Roni Mia, and Mohammad Rifat Mia in connection with the assault.

A CRAB spokesperson said the journalists’ buses were parked outside the park after the event when local criminals demanded extortion.

“When the journalists refused to pay up, the attackers launched the assault, injuring 10,” the spokesperson said.

Police confirmed the identities of the attackers after reviewing CCTV footage.

“All have been identified, and operations to arrest the remaining suspects are ongoing,” officer Abdullah Al-Faruk said.

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam has instructed that those involved be brought to justice.

Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallik added, “Regardless of their affiliations, the attackers will be held accountable under the law.”

CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal called the assault “planned” and said it demonstrated how brazen local extortionists have become.

“The attack shows the lengths to which these criminals go when challenged,” he said.