A group of journalists was attacked within the premises of Sadarpur Police Station in Faridpur after they filmed the illegal smuggling of fuel oil.

The victims of the attack, which occurred around 11:00 AM on Saturday (April 4), were identified as Tofazzal Hossain Titu, a correspondent for Channel S, and Alamgir Hossain, a correspondent for the Daily Dhaka Protidin.

Successive Attacks
According to the victims, the trouble began on Friday night (April 3) in the Gabtala area of Char Bishnupur Union. They were first assaulted while filming fuel oil being smuggled by a local dealer, Mohammad Ali Molla, and his son, Sami Molla. Following this initial confrontation, the journalists filed a written complaint at the Sadarpur Police Station.

The situation escalated on Saturday morning when the journalists returned to the station to follow up on their complaint. The oil dealer and his associates reportedly launched a second attack on the journalists right inside the police station compound. Police intervention eventually brought the situation under control.

However, a third assault allegedly took place shortly after on the road in front of the station. The journalists claimed they were targeted by Rafiqul Islam Montu and his associate, Mostaki Babu, while they were staging a protest against the earlier violence.

Official Silence and Police Response
The accused individuals have refused to provide any statement regarding the allegations.

Abdul Al Mamun Shah, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sadarpur Police Station, said, "I have discussed the matter of the attack with the local Member of Parliament (MP). We are currently investigating the incident."

Context of the Crisis
The incident occurs amidst a nationwide fuel crisis in Bangladesh. Taking advantage of the shortage, various unscrupulous traders have reportedly been involved in smuggling and illegal hoarding of fuel oil across different parts of the country.