A journalist has been seriously injured in a violent assault in Rajapur upazila of Jhalkathi district, Bangladesh. The victim, Moinul Haque Lipu, a district correspondent for Dainik Desh Rupantor and ATN News, was attacked on Tuesday (6 May) at approximately 4:00 pm in Ward No. 1 of Rajapur Sadar Union. The sudden and brutal nature of the incident has caused widespread concern in the local community.
According to local sources, Moinul Haque Lipu was present in the area in the afternoon when a group of assailants allegedly launched a surprise attack on him. The attackers reportedly used sharp weapons and struck him repeatedly, leaving him severely injured. Hearing his cries for help, nearby residents rushed to the scene, prompting the attackers to flee immediately.
Locals subsequently rescued the injured journalist and transported him to Rajapur Upazila Health Complex. He received initial medical treatment there; however, his condition reportedly deteriorated, and doctors advised transferring him to a better-equipped medical facility for advanced care.
The injured journalist stated that the attack stemmed from a dispute related to the theft of a water pump belonging to his cousin. He alleged that the assault was pre-planned and involved seven to eight individuals, including Shanto (25), son of Aslam Hossain; Rizon Sikder (22), son of Chunnu Sikder; and Shakil Sikder. He further claimed that all of them jointly carried out the attack using sharp weapons, inflicting serious injuries.
Local residents also noted that one of the accused, Shanto, had previously been arrested in a narcotics-related case, although further verified details regarding the case could not be confirmed immediately.
Following the incident, tension briefly spread in the area, although the situation is now reported to be under control. Nevertheless, the attack has raised renewed concerns regarding the safety of journalists working at the local level, particularly in rural regions where disputes can escalate into violence.
Law enforcement officials have stated that an investigation is underway. The Rajapur Circle Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police, Md Shah Alam, confirmed that police have visited the scene and efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved. Legal action will be taken once formal complaints are lodged and evidence is gathered.
Incident Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Armed attack on journalist |
| Location | Rajapur Upazila, Jhalkathi |
| Time | Tuesday, around 4:00 pm |
| Victim | Moinul Haque Lipu |
| Profession | Journalist (Dainik Desh Rupantor, ATN News) |
| Alleged Motive | Local dispute linked to theft incident |
| Suspected Attackers | 7–8 individuals |
| Initial Treatment | Rajapur Upazila Health Complex |
| Police Action | Investigation and identification ongoing |
The incident has prompted concern among local journalists and residents, with calls for stronger protection measures to ensure the safety and security of media professionals in the region.