Journalist Brutally Attacked During Puja in Sitakunda Over Alleged Awami League Ties

In Sitakunda, a mob allegedly linked to local BNP and Jamaat-Shibir activists attacked a journalist while he was offering prayers at a Hindu festival, labeling him an “Awami League associate.”

The journalist, severely injured, was admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) in critical condition.

The incident took place around 8:30 PM on Sunday, October 19, in front of the Shyama Puja mandap near the rail gate area of Sitakunda municipality.

The victim, Liton Kumar Chowdhury (45), is the Sitakunda upazila correspondent for the Daily Janakantha and former general secretary of the Sitakunda Press Club. He resides in the rail gate area of the municipal town.

A video circulating on social media platform Facebook shows local assailants surrounding and beating Liton Kumar Chowdhury. During the assault, they can be heard verbally abusing him and calling him an "Awami League agent."

According to the police, after the attack, Liton was brought to the police station in a bloodied state. He was then taken to the Upazila Health Complex and later referred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for further treatment.

Liton’s son, Rakesh Chowdhury, said his father was offering prayers at the Shyama Puja mandap near their home when several young men arrived, began abusing him verbally, and then attacked him. They also snatched his mobile phone and wallet. His head was seriously injured, resulting in heavy bleeding. He is currently undergoing treatment at CMCH.

Sitakunda Press Club President SM Forkan Abu strongly condemned the incident, saying, “It is unacceptable to incite a mob to attack a journalist. The attackers’ faces are clearly visible in the video footage. We demand their immediate arrest and legal action.”

General Secretary Kaiyum Chowdhury added, “Liton Kumar Chowdhury was dragged from the Puja mandap and brutally beaten by Asad’s group. They also looted his phone and Tk 45,000 in cash. We demand the arrest of Asad and all his associates.”

Sitakunda Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mojibur Rahman said, “A group of youths brought a bloodied Liton Chowdhury to the station. There are no cases filed against him. He was sent to the hospital. We are currently investigating the matter.”