Journalists on Thursday issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding the arrest of all those involved in an attack on reporters in front of Dream Holiday Park in Narsingdi, warning of tougher programmes if law enforcers fail to act within the deadline.
The ultimatum was announced by the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) during a human chain and protest rally organised at the premises of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Thursday noon.
CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal said police must immediately review CCTV footage of the incident and publish photographs of the named accused within 24 hours. “All accused must be arrested within 72 hours. Failure to do so will compel us to announce a broader movement, including demands for the removal of the Narsingdi superintendent of police and the officer-in-charge of Madhabdi Police Station,” he said.
He also announced that memorandums would be submitted to the home affairs adviser and the inspector general of police, protesting what he described as administrative negligence and delayed police response.
Leaders of various journalist bodies, including the Dhaka Journalists Union, National Press Club, Law Reporters Forum, Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum, Defence Journalists Association of Bangladesh, Reporters Against Corruption, Political Reporters Forum and Dhaka Medical Reporters Association, expressed solidarity with CRAB.
DUJ President Shahidul Islam alleged that those responsible for the attack were known extortionists and criticised the police for what he termed a lack of visible action. He claimed that delays in responding to the incident had allowed suspects to flee and demanded accountability from senior police officials.
CRAB General Secretary MM Badshah said that despite video and CCTV evidence, arrests had not been made promptly. “This delay is not just negligence; it raises serious questions about the role of law enforcement,” he said.
Several speakers also demanded an investigation into whether the Dream Holiday Park authorities had any connection with the attackers, saying responsibility could not be avoided.
On January 26, local criminals allegedly attacked a bus carrying CRAB members who were heading to a picnic near Dream Holiday Park, reportedly demanding extortion money. At least 10 journalists were injured in the attack, four of them critically.
The injured journalists received treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Narsingdi Sadar Hospital and are now recovering at home. A case has been filed with Madhabdi Police Station in connection with the incident.
