As the head of the Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA) and another journalist were visiting a fabric market in Bangabazar, Dhaka, to protest against the syndicate, BNP activists attacked them.

The attack took place on the second floor of the Banga Islamia Market in the capital's Banga Market area at around 5:30pm on Tuesday.

Among the victims were Al Sadi Bhuiyan, president of the DUJA, and Nahid, a staff reporter from Jagonews.

They were attacked with hammers, rods, and GI pipes. Bhuiyan was beaten severely, suffering injuries to his head, back, waist, and legs.

Nahid sustained a serious injury to his left leg and was further assaulted on the roof of the building. Additionally, a student's finger was severed during the attack.

The assailants, identified as Abul Hossain Tabu, husband of Shahbagh Ward Councillor Rokshana Islam Chameli, BNP leader Rafiqul Islam Swapan, and Masud Yusuf.

They stole Bhuiyan's mobile phone and Nahid's mobile, wallet, bike keys, and press ID card.

Despite the presence of police at the scene, they failed to protect the victims or intervene effectively. The police were seen standing by as the violence unfolded.

Al-Sadi Bhuiyan expressed frustration, saying: "We were attacked because we protested against the syndicate. Even after identifying ourselves as journalists, the assault continued. We called the police, but they did not help us."

Nahid recounted the violence, saying: "Despite calling the army, there was no response. They took my phone, wallet, and ID cards. We were beaten again on the roof with local weapons and GI pipes until I lost consciousness."

Badhon, a local businessman, said that attackers from the rival group broke down doors and assaulted them with hammers, rods, and GI pipes when he went to meet the owner of the store.

The incident was also condemned by Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who went to the scene.

"We strongly condemn the brutal attack on journalists and students," they declared, demanding justice and pledging to oppose acts of violence of this nature. The guilty syndicate won't escape punishment. We are going to firmly resist them from now on."

The victims are currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.