A local journalist was physically attacked last night in Char Rajibpur upazila of Kurigram after publishing a report about a local BNP leader, the journalist claimed.

The journalist, Sujan Mahmud, works as the Rajibpur upazila correspondent for the Daily Khola Kagoj. He received initial treatment at the Char Rajibpur Upazila Health Complex, according to Dr. Hasibur Rahman, the resident medical officer.

Sujan stated that all the attackers were followers of Mokhlesur Rahman, the former president of the Char Rajibpur Upazila BNP.

“I was discussing news-related matters with my colleagues at the Computer Goli in Rajibpur Bazar. Suddenly, a group of 30 to 35 BNP supporters, including former joint conveners Anwar Hossain and Sabbir Hossain, former organizing secretary Golam Mostafa, joint convener of Upazila Swechchhasebak Dal Shafi Alam, and organizing secretary of Upazila Sramik Dal Sohel Rana, arrived and attacked me. They beat me severely.”

“My colleagues rescued me and took me to the Char Rajibpur Upazila Health Complex for treatment,” he added.

Sujan explained that the attack was linked to a report he published on January 3, which alleged irregularities against the BNP leader.

When contacted, Mokhlesur Rahman, currently in Dhaka, expressed that he was unaware of the incident.

He assured that if any of his followers had harmed a journalist, he would take appropriate action when he returns to the area.

Taslim Uddin, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Char Rajibpur Police Station, confirmed that he had heard about the attack on the journalist.