A violent confrontation erupted in the Dhanmondi 32 area of Dhaka on Tuesday morning following a political demonstration organised by the Dhanmondi zone of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka Metropolitan South unit, culminating in an alleged attack on journalists.

According to eyewitness accounts, tension escalated shortly after 8:30 a.m. when party activists held a protest march in the area, reportedly linked to the 77th founding anniversary of the banned Awami League. A number of local organisers and supporters took part in the procession, including several identified party figures such as Mustafizur Rahman, Mujahidul Islam Shahin, Anisuzzaman, and Jahinur Rahman.

Following the march, journalists present at the scene began a media briefing with the participants. The situation reportedly deteriorated when reporters requested comments from a senior attendee, triggering a heated exchange with some activists. Tensions intensified further after certain individuals allegedly labelled journalists as “Awami League collaborators,” a remark that was strongly protested by members of the press.

The verbal altercation soon escalated into physical violence, according to multiple witnesses. A group of individuals allegedly associated with the organisers attacked journalists on the spot. Daily Sakal reporter Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir sustained serious injuries during the incident, including significant facial wounds that caused heavy bleeding. Fellow journalists quickly intervened and transported him to Bangladesh Medical College Hospital for emergency treatment.

The incident caused brief panic in the surrounding area, with journalists and bystanders expressing alarm over the sudden outbreak of violence. Order was gradually restored after a period of disruption, and police presence was reportedly increased in the vicinity.

In response, Mujibur Rahman Khan, a member of the Dhaka South Dhanmondi unit’s working committee of Jamaat-e-Islami, rejected allegations of a planned attack. He claimed that unidentified outsiders may have infiltrated the gathering and were responsible for instigating the violence. He called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.

The episode has reignited concerns regarding press safety, political discipline during public demonstrations, and accountability for violent conduct in politically sensitive areas. Media professionals and local observers have urged the authorities to conduct a transparent inquiry and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

Summary of the Incident

The incident has also prompted renewed discussion about strengthening security measures during political programmes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.