A journalist and his mother were violently attacked by a group of men at Mokra Dhodhogachh village in Lalmonirhat’s Sadar upazila on Tuesday evening.

The victim, Helal Hossain Kabir (32), is the executive editor of the local weekly Alormoni. Both he and his mother were admitted to Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital following the incident.

Police Action

Following a case filed against 11 individuals, police arrested the main suspect, Sohrab Hossain (48), late last night.

“We are working to apprehend the other accused. Once the investigation is complete, we will submit a charge sheet to the court,” said Mohammad Nurnabi, Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station.

Police officials have also visited the injured at the hospital.

Medical Condition

Hospital resident medical officer Samina Hossain Chowdhury said Kabir suffered injuries to his head, face, arms, and legs.

“He is currently out of danger but remains under observation,” she noted.

Background to the Attack

Kabir told reporters that the violence stemmed from an earlier incident involving local criminal Abdul Aziz, who was caught gambling about five to six months ago.

“Aziz and his associates suspected I had exposed them. He was released on bail a day after being arrested, and since then they have been harassing and threatening me,” Kabir said.

He added that after receiving death threats, he filed a General Diary with police on May 1.

The Assault

Kabir recounted that around 8:00 pm, the attackers stormed his home, beat him severely, and dragged him outside.

“They struck me on the head, face, arms, back, and legs with bamboo sticks and iron rods. When my mother tried to intervene, they attacked her too,” he said.

Locals eventually rescued both victims and took them to the hospital.