Dhaka, September 4, 2025: A Somoy TV journalist, Asif Muhammad Siam, was attacked by a group of lawyers inside a Dhaka courtroom while covering the bail hearing of journalist Monjurul Alam Panna, who was arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The incident took place around 2:55 PM in the courtroom of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Hasib Ullah Pias.According to eyewitnesses, Monjurul Alam Panna was brought to the court wearing a helmet, handcuffs, and a bulletproof vest. After removing his helmet, he told police, "Why are you doing this? I am not your enemy." Journalist Muktadir Rashid Romeo asked if he had been tortured in jail, to which Monjurul replied, "No." This prompted lawyer Mahi Uddin Ahmed to verbally abuse Muktadir for speaking. Muktadir responded that only the"Jjudge can order someone to leave the courtroom.
Angered by this, Mahi allegedly rushed at Muktadir, and when Siam intervened, Mahi struck him. Several lawyers then dragged Siam outside, continuing to beat him, leaving him bleeding. State lawyer Kayum Hossain intervened, taking Siam to the witness stand for protection. Muktadir was also forced out of the courtroom and verbally abused.
The chaos caused the judge to briefly leave the courtroom, returning at 3:25 PM. The court later rejected Monjurul’s bail application.
Siam told The Daily Star, “Several lawyers created a mob and attacked me in front of the judge without any reason. I demand justice for this incident.” Muktadir added, “The police were present but did not intervene. They just watched.”
Lawyer Mahi Uddin Ahmed denied the allegations, stating, “I did not assault anyone inside the courtroom.” Dhaka Bar Association General Secretary Syed Nazrul Islam said he attempted to calm both sides but noted that no official investigation committee has been formed yet.
Court Reporters' Unity and Law Reporters Forum condemned the assault, calling for action against those responsible.[](https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/390698/journalist-attacked-at-cmm-court)
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