Nine leading intellectuals in a statement yesterday called upon all concerned to take immediate steps to save the life of Tipu Sultan, Feni Correspondent of the UNB.

They urged the government, especially the Information Ministry, Jatiya Press Club, journalists unions, non-government organisations and philanthropists to come forward for his treatment.

Tipu was beaten and badly injured by terrorists at Feni recently and is now under treatment at the National Orthopaedic Hospital (Pangu Hospital) in the city.

The intellectuals expressed grave concern over the critical condition of the journalist and condemned the barbaric attack on him.

Quoting specialist physicians, they said Tipu should be immediately sent abroad for proper treatment, otherwise he may be disabled.

They also expressed concern over the situation at Feni where journalists could not move freely due to the 'audacity' of an individual and 'deterioration' of law and order.

The signatories to the statement are poet Shamsur Rahman, Prof Serajul Islam Chowdhury, Prof Anisur Rahman, Prof Anisuzzaman, Prof Mozaffar Ahmed, Prof Wahiduddin Mahmood, Faiz Ahmed, Ataus Samad and Ahmed Kamal