Police close four officers after beating journalists in Dhaka

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 24 February 2026 |  JP Asia Desk

Four police officers in Dhaka have been withdrawn and face disciplinary probes after video showed them beating and obstructing multimedia reporters covering an anti-narcotics operation at Suhrawardy Udyan. Two journalists were treated for injuries.

Summary

DHAKA — Police in Bangladesh have withdrawn and initiated disciplinary action against four officers after video‑verified incidents showing on‑duty journalists being beaten during an anti‑drug operation at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Monday (February 23, 2026). Two multimedia reporters were injured and treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being struck with batons and blocked from filming, drawing widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates and student groups.

Harrowing footage circulating on social media shows police confronting reporters from Banglanews24.com and Ajker Patrika, attempting to seize a mobile phone and physically assaulting them while they covered the anti‑narcotics drive. Dhaka Metropolitan Police officials described the event as a “misunderstanding” and said the targeted personnel did not visibly display press credentials at the moment of the encounter.

Journalists assaulted during duty

Authorities confirmed that Tofayel Ahmed, 25, a multimedia reporter for Banglanews24.com, was seriously injured after being hit multiple times with batons while attempting to record the operation. His colleague, Kawsar Ahmed Ripon, 27, of Ajker Patrika, was also beaten when he intervened to protect Ahmed and was struck on his leg during the altercation.

Student protests escalate after the incident

The assaults sparked protests by Dhaka University students outside Shahbagh Police Station on February 24, with demonstrators demanding accountability and the removal of Ramna Zone Deputy Commissioner Md Masud Alam. The students also called for an end to unwarranted policing in and around the university campus, citing concerns about safety and excessive use of force.

Police accountability and reactions

Dhaka Metropolitan Police officials confirmed that four police personnel implicated in the assaults have been withdrawn from duty pending departmental action, and authorities are working to identify and close cases against additional officers involved. Human rights organizations have condemned the use of force against journalists and students, calling for a transparent investigation and legal action against responsible officials.

WHY THIS MATTERS: For Pakistani journalists and media organizations, the Dhaka incident highlights the ongoing risks reporters face when covering sensitive state actions and policing operations in South Asia. It underscores the importance of clear press credentials, legal safeguards for media professionals on the ground, and proactive newsroom safety protocols to protect staff covering volatile events.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on verified journalism from The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune, The Business Standard, and Bangladesh Media Monitor.

PHOTO: AI‑generated; for illustrative purposes only.