Journalist Nesar Uddin of Asian TV, who was brutally attacked while covering a news story earlier this month, is now fighting for his life without adequate medical treatment.
After weeks of struggling in the hospital, Nesar has been forced to return home due to financial hardship. His wife, Delowara Begum, has already sold their only piece of land to cover medical costs, yet his treatment remains incomplete. Doctors say his condition has worsened, with severe infection in his wrist, fluid accumulation in his liver, and partial memory loss due to head injuries.
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The attack occurred on October 2 in Debidwar, Cumilla, when a group of around 25–30 armed men assaulted eight journalists who were covering a local land dispute. The attackers, allegedly led by a man named Shahjahan, brutally beat the journalists and looted their cameras, mobile phones, and cash. At least 12 people were injured in the incident.
The injured journalists include Parvez Sarkar (Dainik Dinkal), Nesar Uddin (Asian TV), Sohrab Hossain (Ajker Cumilla), Md. Anwar Hossain (Dainik Dak Protidin), Abu Bakkar Siddique (Amar Desh), Jahirul Islam Maruf (Dainik Kalbela), Md. Shahjalal (Dainik Bhorer Darpan), and Saiful Islam Sojib (ATN MCL News).
Police in Debidwar confirmed they visited the scene and hospital, but no visible progress in the investigation has been reported.
“Rule of law has collapsed” — Press leader blames state-backed impunity
Dr. Abu Ahmed Jafar, Chairman of the Bangladesh Mofossol Sangbadik Forum (BMSF), condemned the attack, saying:
“There is no rule of law left in Bangladesh. A culture of mob violence is thriving under government patronage, making journalism one of the most dangerous professions in this country.”
Dr. Jafar urged the United Nations, Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) to intervene urgently and pressure the Bangladeshi government to ensure justice, provide medical assistance to Nesar Uddin, and end impunity for attacks on journalists.
He added:
“This is not only an attack on one journalist — it’s an attack on press freedom in Bangladesh. If the international community remains silent, more journalists will suffer in silence.”
Call for International Solidarity and Support
Local journalist networks and rights groups have appealed for immediate:
Medical and financial aid for Nesar Uddin and his family
Independent international investigation into the October 2 attack
Accountability and justice for the perpetrators and their political backers
