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A journalist was allegedly assaulted while collecting information about the use of substandard materials in a road construction project in Kumarkhali municipality of Kushtia.
Mahbubul Ahsan Ullas, a Kumarkhali correspondent for Bangla TV, was attacked at around 12:45pm on Saturday (September 19) in the Kundupara area. He is currently receiving treatment at Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex.
According to eyewitnesses and local sources, Ullas went to the site after receiving complaints of irregularities and the use of poor-quality materials in the municipal road construction project.
The sources alleged that a group of armed men attacked him, led by Anwar, the brother of Kushtia-4 MP Afzal Hossain, and Ruhul, who allegedly identified himself as the lawmaker’s bodyguard. Ullas was beaten and sustained injuries before fellow journalists and police rescued him and took him to the health complex.
Kumarkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Municipal Administrator Farzana Akhter said the authorities had earlier instructed the contractor to stop work following allegations of substandard materials. She said she personally visited the site and halted the construction after finding that work had continued despite the instruction.
The attack on Ullas took place shortly after she left the site, she said.
Kumarkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jamal Uddin said the assault followed an argument while the journalist was gathering information. Police rushed to the scene after being informed and attempted to prevent the attack, but their efforts were limited because there were not enough officers present, he said.
Police have identified those allegedly involved and are preparing a case, Uddin said, adding that the suspects would be brought to justice.
The attack has triggered strong reactions among journalists in Kushtia, who have demanded prompt legal action against those responsible and anyone alleged to have instigated the incident.
