Dhaka, 27 January 2026 — The South Asia Journalists Federation (SAJF) strongly
condemns the brutal attack on members of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters
Association (CRAB) in front of Dream Holiday Park in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, on Monday evening, which left at least ten journalists injured. Among those hurt were journalists
Shahed, Mohsin, Sakhawat Kausar and CRAB staf member Lal.
According to local police and eyewitnesses, the CRAB members were returning from a Family Day programme when a group of local miscreants demanded money from
parked buses. When journalists questioned the demand, a scufle broke out and
attackers used sticks, machetes and other weapons, injuring several reporters. Initial
reports said two people were detained at the scene; police later identifed and arrested additional suspects as the investigation progressed.
“Assaults on journalists are assaults on press freedom and on society’s right to know,” said Geetartha Pathak, President of SAJF. “We demand an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation; swift arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators; adequate
medical care and compensation for the injured; and guarantees that journalists can
work and gather in public without fear of extortion or violence.”
Shakeel Ahmed, Secretary General of SAJF, said: “This incident exposes the grave risks reporters face even while attending peaceful, non-reporting events. Authorities must
ensure accountability and take preventive measures — including removing criminal
extortion networks that target journalists and public venues — so that such attacks
never recur.”
SAJF calls on the Government of Bangladesh, the Home Ministry, law-enforcement agencies and local authorities to:
Conduct a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation and ensure victims’safety.
Arrest, charge and prosecute all those responsible under the relevant criminal statutes . Provide immediate medical support, rehabilitation and compensation to the injured
journalists.
Identify and dismantle any local extortion or criminal groups that threaten the safety of media workers and the public.
SAJF also urges media houses, journalist organisations and press councils to
coordinate support for the injured and their families, and to press for lasting protective measures for journalists at public events.
Issued by
(Shakeel Ahmed)
Secretary General,SAJF
