Journalist taken-beaten over news report in Chadpur

A journalist allegedly has been taken from local press club and beaten in a hotel by miscreants over publishing news report on unethical activities on Tuesday. 

The incident occurred at Matrimaya Residential Hotel in Hajiganj Bazar under Chandpur district in Bangladesh.

The police arrested two people while rescuing the journalist from the hotel after receiving journos beaten news. The arrested are Faruk Hossen Liton, owner of Matrimaya Residential Hotel in Hajiganj Bazar, and his son Tawhid Hossen.

The victim was Mohiuddin Al Azad, former president of Hajiganj Press Club, district correspondent for Bangladesh News and Bangladesh Khobor newspapers. He also serves as the publisher and editor of the weekly Trini newspaper.

According to media reports- a dead body of an elderly woman was being recovered from Matrimaya Residential Hotel in Hajiganj Bazar, then, the Upazila Executive Officer ordered the hotel’s operations to be temporarily suspended. However, the hotel continued to operate in violation of the magistrate order. 

Additionally, the police recently arrested a young man and a young woman at the hotel over allegations of unethical activities. this news was published in various media outlets. This news also was published at The Bangladesh News and The Bangladesh Khobor where Mr. Azad was correspondent. Journalist Mohiuddin Al Azad`s report angered the owner of the hotel as he mentioned the institution name in his report. As a result, the hotel owner and his gang had taken the journalist to his hotel room and beat roughly.

According to journalist Azad alleged that several individuals led by Md. Faruk Hossain Liton went to Hazi Ganj Press Club and took him from there. Later, he was taken to the hotel and beaten.

Hazi Ganj police officer-in-charge (OC) Md. Abdul Mannan said, police conducted a raid at the scene under his leadership and rescued the journalist. On that time, the accused Faruk Hossain Liton and his son Tawhid Hossain were arrested and brought to the police station. The injured journalist was first treated at Hazi Ganj Upazila Health Complex and later at Chandpur Sadar Hospital.

OC mention, additionally, Victim filed a complaint at Hazi Ganj police station named Faruk Hossain Liton, his son Tawhid Hossain, father Anwar Hossain, and 10 to 12 unidentified individuals as defendants. In addition, CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify the al attackers. Once identified, other involved individuals will be brought under the law. Meanwhile, the executive magistrate and upazila executive officer (UNO)  Md. Ibne Al Zayed Hossain conducted another raid at the hotel on Tuesday afternoon and sealed it permanently.