Ruling party MP assaults journalist in Bangladesh

March 15, 2009 - PRLog -- Sara Begum Kobori, one of the most influential members of Parliament in Bangladesh belonging to the ruling, Bangladesh Awami League physically assaulted Shahidul Islam Sentu, photo journalist with vernacular newspaper Daily Shitalakkha, published from Narayanganj district in presence of other members of the press.

Kobor, a former cine star contested in the general election from the constituency which belongs to her in-laws of recently divorced third husband. Her husband Babu Sarwar, divorced Kobori alleging her mad moral character and extra-marital affairs with many men.

According to information, Kobori started slapping the local photo journalist Shahidul Islam Sentu as the newspaper he works published the news on her divorce few months back. Right after she started slapping the journalist, other members of her party, including several hooligans started physically assaulting the reporter, till he fled to save his life.

Repression of journalists have become very common in Bangladesh, especially since the present ruling party came in power through December 29, 2008 general election. State patronized terror is continuing on the members of press.

Only during last two months, ruling party thugs attacked two newspaper offices and illegally occupied both. In one case, while the ruling party thugs went to attack Dhaka's most influential weekly named Blitz, the hooligans were accompanied by a member from Forces Intelligence to give cover to illegal actions and lootings by the members of the ruling party.

It is also reported that, law enforcing agencies are instructed by the government not to take any steps in favor of journalists in case ruling partymen commit any offense with the members of the press.

During the tenure of Awami League during 1996-2001, young journalist in Feni district [150 kilometers from the Capital city] named Tipu Sultan was mercilessly tortured and beaten by Awami League leader Joinal Hazari and his hang of armed hooligans. The then government led by Sheikh Hasina did not take any action against their party leader for such notorious brutality on the journalist.

Latest episode of repression of journalists by a female member of the ruling party, will once again put the image of the government into question.

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Blitz Publications is a growing publication company in Bangladesh. The company also own two periodicals. Weekly Blitz is the English language tabloid newspaper published on every Wednesday and Jamjamat is the vernacular weekly published every Thursday.