Attacked while filming government deforestation in Kapasia, 3 journalists injured, 3 detained

Gazipur Three journalists were attacked for filming trees being cut down in broad daylight from a government forest reserve in Kapasia, Gazipur.

Police have detained three people, including a father and son, in the incident. The incident took place in the Bhuleshwar Parirtek area of ​​Rayed Union of the upazila on Tuesday afternoon. The journalists who were attacked are Mornews BD's Gazipur correspondent SM Jahirul Islam, Naya Diganta's multimedia correspondent Md. Mojahid, and Alokit Sakal's correspondent Humayun Kabir.

It was learned from locals that trees in the government forest reserve had been being cut down in that area for a long time. The matter was reported to the forest department several times, but no action was taken. These trees were being cut down and sold. It is alleged that the gang was led by Sirajul Islam, member secretary of the Kapasia Upazila Volunteer Party.

The three journalists went to collect information after receiving a tip-off that trees were being cut down there at around 3 pm yesterday. When they reached there, the people cutting the trees dropped their axes and saws and ran away. Later, while they were taking pictures and videos of the trunks of the cut trees, Abul Kashem, his son Al Amin, and 10-12 people including Raed Union Volunteer Party Joint Convener Mamun attacked them. Later, when journalist SM Zahirul Islam called the national emergency service number 999, the police went and rescued them.

The injured journalists received treatment at the Upazila Health Complex. Md. Mojahid complained to Mornews that government forests have been being indiscriminately cleared in the area for a long time and those involved in cutting down trees in broad daylight. He mentioned that he had also published a pictorial report on the matter on October 10.

Md. Mojahid has filed a written complaint with the police station regarding the attack. Following the complaint, the police conducted a drive and arrested Abul Kashem, his son Al Amin and Mamun. However, it was not possible to get the statement of Sirajul Islam, member secretary of the Upazila Volunteer Party, regarding the complaint. Kapasia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdur Rob said that a case has been registered in this incident. Three people have been arrested. Efforts are underway to arrest the rest.