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and Rahul Kanti Das.

The names of 11 other accused are stated to be “Awami terrorists”.

In the case statement, the complainant identified himself as an active member of BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum (Chattogram unit), United Lawyers’ Front, and BNP’s Legal Committee for Chattogram north district. He added that he was also a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal member.

He alleged that the accused are aligned with the Awami League, Jubo League, and affiliated bodies, and claimed that they attacked protesters during last year’s July uprising.

The complainant said the accused attacked him on his way to a Sramik Dal programme near Jamiatul Falah Mosque on May Day as he supported the protesters.

He also claimed that the attackers tried to strangle him and snatched Tk 30,000 from his possession. He said crude bombs were hurled during the attack, injuring one of his eyes. Afterwards, he sought refuge with a patrolling police team and was later hospitalised.

The complainant added that when he approached the police to lodge the case, they told him to go to court.

Multiple attempts to contact Imtiaz Reza Chowdhury, lawyer of Rezaul, were unsuccessful. When contacted, Rezaul declined to comment, saying, he was busy.

Abdus Sattar, president of Chattogram District Bar Association, told this correspondent, “I’m unaware of any case filed against the journalists.”

He, however, confirmed Rezaul as a BNP activist.

In a statement, CUJ President Reaz Hayder and General Secretary Sabur Shuvo said that on April 30, Rezaul gave a Facebook post that he would thwart the journalists’ gathering on May 1. Some criminals attacked journalists near the Jamiatul Falah Mosque, injuring three, when they were getting ready for a picnic.

Hiding the real fact, the case was filed accusing 27 journalists and CUJ deeply concerned about that, said the statement, adding that they demand a fair investigation.

The Daily Star, however, could not confirm the name of a journalist.