A member of police has been accused of assaulting Banglanews24’s multimedia reporter Tofayel Ahmed in front of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court’s jail gate.

The incident happened on Sunday (July 6) afternoon.

According to Tofayel, he was performing his professional duties at the court premises this afternoon, when Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mazhar questioned his actions. Later, forcefully snached his mobile phone, and physically assaulted when the victim journalist asked for the device back.

Tofayel said he was simply doing his job and identified himself as a journalist. “Still, he snatched my phone and pushed me when I demanded it back,” he told reporters.

Inspector Md Kamrul, the in-charge of the jail gate, expressed regret over the incident. 

He told journalists, “This was unfortunate. Police are not meant to obstruct the work of media professionals. The prosecution has been informed and necessary steps will be taken.”

The incident sparked strong reactions among court-based journalists, who condemned the assault and demanded immediate punishment of the officer involved.

Several senior reporters said such incidents are a threat to press freedom and urged the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists while performing their duties at sensitive locations like courts.

An internal inquiry is expected, but no formal action had been taken as of filing this report.

MSK/