Abused Journalist Sonali Akhter overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing Farida Yasmin

In a poignant display of compassion and solidarity, Jatiya Press Club President Farida Yasmin, MP, visited Sonali Akhter Selina, a journalist who has endured severe abuse, at the 'Health Resort' hospital in Narayanganj on Monday evening. The emotional encounter brought both tears and a sense of renewed hope for the beleaguered journalist.

Sonali, who had been admitted to the hospital after suffering from a horrific assault and subsequent torture, was overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing Farida Yasmin. As Yasmin entered Sonali’s hospital room at around 5:30 p.m., Sonali’s eyes welled up with tears, and she reached out to embrace the MP, expressing a deep sense of relief and security. “It feels like I’ve finally found a shelter, like a mother,” Sonali said, her voice choked with emotion.

The sight of Sonali’s suffering deeply affected Farida Yasmin, who struggled to hold back her own tears. The MP's presence was more than just a symbolic gesture; it was a profound act of empathy and support. Yasmin, visibly moved, assured Sonali and those present that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be brought to justice. She promised to engage with the highest levels of government to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

During her visit, Farida Yasmin took the time to personally inquire about Sonali’s condition and her needs. She requested the hospital authorities to provide the best possible medical care for Sonali, underscoring her commitment to the journalist's well-being.

The emotional encounter between Farida Yasmin and Sonali Akhter highlighted the human side of politics and public service. Yasmin’s visit not only brought comfort to Sonali but also reaffirmed the crucial role of empathy in the pursuit of justice and support for victims of violence. The heartfelt exchange between the MP and the journalist served as a reminder of the enduring power of compassion and the essential human connections that drive meaningful change.
In a world where acts of violence against journalists are distressingly common, the story of Sonali Akhter Selina stands out as a stark reminder of both the cruelty and the resilience inherent in such trials. After enduring a horrific assault and severe burns, Sonali has found a new ally in Jatiya Press Club President Farida Yasmin, MP, whose recent support has brought a glimmer of hope in a bleak time.

On Saturday afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., Sonali and two other female journalists were attacked by a group of assailants in the Signboard area of Narayanganj. The journalists were initially there to cover a protest when they were approached by the attackers who, upon discovering their professional identities, escalated the violence. The attackers stole their belongings and subjected Sonali to brutal physical and sexual assault. In a chilling display of brutality, they burned Sonali's face with a gas lighter after their attempt to rape her failed.

Sonali, in an interview with Business Eye, recounted the horrific events. “When the protesters asked for our identities and realized we were journalists, they surrounded us and stole our belongings. They then took me to a secluded area, beat me mercilessly, and sexually assaulted me. After failing to rape me, they burned my face with a gas lighter,” Sonali shared, her voice trembling with the pain of her ordeal.

The situation became even more dire when Iqbal Hossain, a former councillor of Narayanganj City Corporation, intervened. “Iqbal Hossain came to my rescue after five to seven minutes of torture. He managed to get me to a hospital,” Sonali said, her gratitude evident.

Initially taken to Narayanganj 300 Bed Hospital, Sonali was later referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). However, logistical challenges and hazardous road conditions prevented her from reaching the DMCH.

In the wake of this tragedy, Farida Yasmin’s visit to Sonali at the 'Health Resort' hospital in Narayanganj brought much-needed relief and support. Yasmin, who arrived at the hospital with a compassionate heart and a determined spirit, provided Sonali with financial aid to assist with her medical expenses. Beyond the immediate financial support, Yasmin made a firm commitment to advocate for Sonali’s case at the highest levels of government. She pledged to engage Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that Sonali’s plight receives the attention it deserves.

During her visit, Yasmin expressed her deep sorrow over the incident and her unwavering support for the journalist. “The brutality Sonali has suffered is beyond comprehension, and it is imperative that those responsible are held accountable,” Yasmin asserted. She also urged the hospital authorities to provide the best possible care for Sonali so that she can recover shortly.