4 journos hurt in attack by ‘hospital staffers’ in Mymensingh

Four journalists were injured in an attack allegedly by some employees of Mymensingh's Trishal Upazila Health Complex on Saturday morning for "reporting on hospital mismanagement".

The victims are Saiful Alam Tuhin of Dainik Ajker Patrika, Rakibul Hasan Sumon of Naya Shatabdi, Riadul Hasan of Desh Sangbad, and Masud Rana of Gonomukti. They all are Trishal upazila correspondents.

Journalist Tuhin alleged that, "When we [four journalists] went to the health complex this morning to know about the standard of food supplied by the hospital to the patients, hospital cook Sohrab Hossain had an altercation with us and at one stage, Sohrab and some five employees attacked us."

He believed that they came under the attack following a recent online report published in Naya Shatabdi on the irregularities of the hospital.

Trishal Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Nazrul Islam was unhappy over the report that went viral on social media, alleged the journalist.

Nazrul Islam said he was out of the hospital for official purposes during the incident.

He also said a three-member probe body headed by Dr Monwar Sadat was formed to investigate the incident. The committee was asked to submit the report within five working days.

Md Nazrul Islam, Civil surgeon of Mymensingh, said they will take action following the probe report.

Mohammad Mainuddin, officer-in-charge of Trishal Police Station, said on information, police went to the spot and rescued the journalists. They were given first aid.

A complaint has been lodged against two persons, including hospital staff Sohrab, with the police station this noon.

Police are investigating the allegations, added the OC.