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Published : 19 Aug 2024, 07:54 PM
A group of attackers has vandalised the East West Media Group, a subsidiary of the Bashundhara Group, using hockey sticks and batons.
The incident occurred around 2pm on Monday, when at least 70 attackers marched to the media house in Bashundhara Residential Area, according to witnesses.
Alongside the East West Media Group, the offices of Kaler Kantho, Bangladesh Pratidin, Daily Sun, Banglanews24.com, News24, T Sports, and Capital Radio FM are located in three adjacent buildings.
A media worker from the group told bdnews24.com, “Suddenly, a team of 70-80 people arrived at the front of the East West Media Group office in the Bashundhara residential area, shouting slogans.
“They vandalised at least 20 vehicles parked outside the building. After smashing the glass walls and doors at the building's front, they left within a short time.”
Citing security personnel, he added, “Ignoring the objections of 7-8 security guards stationed at the main gate, they carried out the attack.”
“Before the attack, they gathered in small groups in nearby alleys and later merged with the main procession from the 300 Feet Road leading to the Bashundhara Residential Area.”
The procession, chanting slogans such as “My brother is in the grave, why is the killer still out?” and “Justice for the killer Hasina,” entered the area and carried out the attack.
Security personnel said the attackers forcibly opened the main gate and entered the building, causing extensive damage, including to Radio Capital’s office, where they destroyed tables, computers, and air conditioners.
While no injuries were reported in the sudden attack, the incident spread panic among the staff at the media house.
Hearing about the attack, several private university students, identifying themselves as coordinators of the “Anti-discrimination Student Movement,” visited the site.
A military patrol team also arrived in the afternoon to inspect the scene.
Tanziba, a student of the Independent University of Bangladesh, who gave a single name, said: “There is no place for vengeance among us. We work for the nation, and we do not want to see any damage to state property.”
“The media has supported us by covering our news and standing by us. We do not want such attacks on them.”
“We stand with the media to ensure that such incidents do not happen.”
She urged for the identification of the attackers, questioning whether they were indeed students.
“We are confident that they were not students,” she said.
Another student condemned the incident and said, “Using the banner of ordinary students, they have attacked the media. I urge other media outlets to take action if anyone attempts to attack under the guise of being a student or using our banner.”
"We want to warn those using our tag to carry out attacks or planning to do so: stop this criminal behaviour. To the media, we, the students, stand with you. We will work with law enforcement to put an end to this violence."
Shahriar Hasnat, a student of North South University, said: “Many groups often take various actions to discredit a revolution. Some use the names of students to implement their personal agendas.”
“Our ordinary students are in no way involved in this destruction. We are working separately to ensure the safety of the media.”
“To other students across the country, I say, the media is the mirror of society. Please stand with them to ensure that no one can tarnish this mirror,” he added.
