Hallmark staff assault journos
Hallmark Group's employees allegedly assaulted a private television channel's journalists at the company's Tentuljhora office at Savar on the capital's outskirts yesterday.
Dipu Sarwar, a senior reporter of Boishakhi Television, told The Daily Star that he along with videographer Miron Hossian and local correspondent Abdul Halim went to the Hallmark's office to report on the recent financial scam involving the group.
The company's employees locked in an altercation with them as they reached the main entrance of the office complex, Dipu said.
One Atiar, who identified himself as the company's general manger, along with scores of other employees and security guards assaulted the journalists when they sought access to the office, he said.
They first snatched Miron's camera and then assaulted him, Abdul and driver Anwar, said Dipu.
"We went to shoot Hallmark Group's industrial units and get its authorities' version on the massive financial embezzlement of Tk 2,686 crore from Sonali Bank unearthed recently," he added.
Contacted, Shamim Hossian, general manager of Hallmark Group, said the reporters tried to enter the company's premises forcibly despite the security officers telling them that no high official were present to address them, he said. "It resulted in an altercation but no physical assault," he added.
Miron filed a case with Savar Police Station in this regard.
Dhaka Reporters' Unity in a statement condemned the assault and demanded arrest of the guilty.
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