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| April 17, 2006 | Monday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 18, 1427 |
Clashes lead to newsmen’s boycott
CHITTAGONG, April 16: Local Bangladeshi media mounted a boycott of the second Test between Bangladesh and Australia after at least 10 of them were injured by police, witnesses said on Sunday.
Around 20 policemen with batons damaged cameras and clashed with around 50 reporters and photographers who were protesting by the side of pitch outside the press box during the lunch break on day one.
They were upset over an incident before play began when a policeman assaulted a photographer in a row over using transport in the restricted stadium vicinity.
Shamsul Haque Tanku, a photographer with Bengali daily Protham Alo, said he had been assaulted after asking police to allow his taxi to drop him in the parking area as he had a valid parking pass.
Tanku, who covers international cricket in Bangladesh and abroad, said police denied entry to the vehicle and assaulted him.
“It is really a sad episode as Tanku is a respected and award-winning photographer,” said Syed Mohammad Mamoon, secretary of the Bangladesh Sports Journalists' Association.
“We have demanded that the police officials responsible for the episodes be suspended and have been assured of the same,” said Sayeed Uzzman, an executive committee member of the association.
“At least 10 reporters and photographers were injured and five were taken to a clinic for treatment,” a reporter from the scene said over telephone, describing the lunchtime protest.
Haji Zahir, a veteran photographer, said: “We are leaving the press gallery in protest against excesses by police and there will be no more media coverage if authorities do not take action against unruly policemen.”
Chittagong police chief Majeedul Haq blamed media members for both the incidents.
“The first incident occured after the photographer refused to show his identity card and an argument ensued,” he said.
“The second time, a group of journalists and photographers attacked two of our senior police officials and our personnel retaliated.
“However, the incident will be investigated and if policemen are found responsible they will be punished,” he said.
The policeman involved in the earlier assault has expressed regret and been suspended.—Agencies
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