Four Jamaat members expelled over attack on journos at Dhanmondi

FE REPORT
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expelled four of its members for their alleged involvement in an attack on journalists in the capital's Dhanmondi area during events centring the Awami League's founding anniversary on June 23 (Tuesday).
Jamaat-e-Islami' s Dhaka south unit announced the decision in a press release issued on Wednesday night signed by its assistant publicity secretary Abdus Sattar Sumon.
"The expulsions followed recommendations made by a committee formed to investigate the incident," said a statement.
The expelled individuals are Jamaat rukn (member) Shafiqul Islam, activists Khairul Alam Russell and Abul Kalam, and supporter Mamun Hossain.
On June 23, Daily Shokal multimedia reporter Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir was assaulted at Dhanmondi during the Awami League's founding anniversary programme.
The News multimedia reporter Maruf Hossain was also injured in the incident.
In addition, at least 10 journalists were allegedly harassed during the attack.
After the incident, both Jamaat's central leadership and its Dhaka city unit issued statements expressing regret.
The Dhaka south unit subsequently formed a four-member committee to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, the 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a 36-day programme from July 1 marking the second anniversary of the July Uprising 2024.
Assistant secretary general of the party, Hamidur Rahman Azad, announced the programme at a press conference at its central office in the capital's Moghbazar area.
He said that according to the announced schedule, seminars will be held across the country between July 1 and 15 to garner public support for the implementation of the referendum verdict and the July Charter.
He also said that the family members of those martyred during the uprising are due to form a human chain outside the National Parliament on July 6 and submit a memorandum to the Speaker.
A national seminar in the capital Dhaka will be held on July 8.
A discussion programme involving women will be held on July 20 and an art exhibition will take place from July 23 to 25.
Mr Hamidur Rahman Azad further said that the alliance also plans special prayers at mosques and places of worship of other faiths on July 31. He said that rallies will be held nationwide on August 5, from Dhaka city to upazila level. Commemorative gatherings at sites linked to the uprising and graffiti-drawing programmes are also planned across the country.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com