Two volunteer wing leaders involved in the attack on journalists in Kapasia permanently expelled.

Daily Bijoy News, Gazipur Correspondent:

Two leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) volunteer wing have been permanently expelled from the organization on allegations of involvement in a terrorist attack on three journalists who were collecting news in Kapasia, Gazipur. The attack took place on Tuesday afternoon (November 4) in the Bhuleshwar area of Rayed Union, Kapasia Upazila. At that time, Md. Mozahid, Gazipur Multimedia Correspondent of Naya Diganta; S. M. Zahirul Islam, Correspondent of Daily Amar Sangbad; and Humayun Kabir Tushar, Correspondent of Daily Alokito Sakal, were seriously injured.

Local sources indicate that the three journalists were filming the illegal cutting and looting of Garjan trees in the forest area. The attack was led by Md. Sirajul Islam, Member Secretary of the Kapasia Upazila Volunteer Wing. Those who directly participated in the attack include Md. Mamun, Senior Joint Convener of the Rayed Union Volunteer Wing, and their associate Abul Kashem alias Gajari Kashem. After the incident, local residents rescued the injured journalists and admitted them to the Kapasia Upazila Health Complex. Later, Kapasia Thana Police arrested Abul Kashem, Mamun, and Alamin.

Based on the decision of the Gazipur District Volunteer Wing, Member Secretary Md. Sirajul Islam and Senior Joint Convener Md. Mamun have been permanently expelled from the organization on charges of engaging in activities contrary to party discipline. A party circular instructed that leaders and workers at no level of the organization should maintain contact with the two expelled leaders. The circular was signed by Hasibur Rahman Khan Munna, Convener, and Ashraf Newaz Chowdhury Shaon, Member Secretary of the District Volunteer Wing. They stated, "The Volunteer Wing always believes in democracy and freedom of the press. Those involved in condemnable incidents like attacks on journalists have no place in the organization in any way."

Meanwhile, the local journalist community has strongly condemned the attack, welcomed the party's decision, and demanded exemplary punishment for the attackers.

Daily Bijoy News/ Md. Al Amin