Journalist Riaj Sohel Forced to Flee Homeland Following Violent Attack

Riaj Sohel, a journalist who recently endured a violent assault, has fled the country. He shared a photo of himself aboard an airplane on Facebook, captioned: “I will return again, victorious in the nest of Bengal.” The attack took place on October 25, when a group of 20–25 organized individuals confronted him on New Elephant Road near the Multiplan Center in the capital.

The group reportedly demanded to inspect Riaj's mobile phone. When he refused, they physically assaulted him and dragged him into a narrow passage between two buildings to continue the beating. Local businessmen intervened, urging the attackers to take him to the police station, where Riaj faced additional threats of violence.

The officer-in-charge (OC) of New Market Police Station later commented to the media, “Riaj is involved in suspicious activities, which is why a group wanted to check his mobile phone. He was beaten for refusing to comply.”

Riaj Sohel has been a journalist at Daily Sahas since 2013, previously working for Daily Parjabekhan and Jagatik News. The attack occurred near the office of his current employer. Beyond journalism, Riaj has actively participated in movements and protests advocating for science- and sports-based education.

News of the attack quickly spread on social media, prompting protests from journalists, human rights activists, and online supporters. Taimur Tushar, editor of Bengal News 24, expressed concern, stating, “Riaj is severely injured. Urgent arrangements for his treatment are necessary. The police are detaining a seriously injured individual despite there being no case against him.”

After leaving the country, Riaj recounted that a group had surrounded the police station, creating a threatening environment. He claimed that the police showed little interest in taking him to the hospital despite his injuries. Additionally, the group reportedly extorted a significant sum of money from his family, threatening to implicate him in a murder case. The next day, Riaj was presented in court on dubious charges and later released.

Riaj attributed the attack to extremist groups targeting him for his progressive views and reports against fundamentalism. During the assault, the attackers verbally abused him, justifying their actions by citing his activism.

In response to his departure, several journalists and human rights activists condemned the worsening situation. Aparajita Sangita, a human rights activist and filmmaker, criticized the rise of extremism in the country.

Sakil Ahmed (Aronno), a journalist and human rights advocate, highlighted the broader implications of Riaj’s attack, pointing to a growing pattern of violence against progressive voices. He noted that many released extremists are now targeting activists.

Supreme Court lawyer Jiban Ananda Jayanta denounced the police's actions, describing them as a misuse of power that undermines human rights and personal freedoms.

The country has been in turmoil since August, with escalating violence and political unrest. Taimur Tushar emphasized the government’s failure to ensure citizens' security, creating an environment where dissent is increasingly suppressed and forcing individuals like Riaj to seek safety abroad.

Following the quota-reform student movement and the political upheaval of August 5, many, including political figures, have left the country. Security analysts warn that if the situation does not improve, the emigration rate will continue to rise, further destabilizing the nation.