A group of Patuakhali district BCL activists on Monday attacked a journalist for publishing a report allegedly against the unit's president Md Saiful Islam.

The victim Md Nayan Mridha, Patuakhali correspondent of the daily Ajker Darpan and Barta-Bazar, is currently undergoing treatment at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital.

The attack took place around 7:30pm in the town's Gymnasium area, said Nayan, adding that he filed a general diary with Patuakhali Police Station the same night.

"My house is in Hetalia Bandhghat area. I was on my way to Natun Bazar, where the Patuakhali Press Club is, on my motorcycle. When I was crossing the Diabetic Hospital, some BCL activists, including the district unit's President Md Saiful Islam, blocked my path. They said, 'You have become such a big journalist that you dare to report against the district Chhatra League president? We will teach you a lesson.' They then began verbally abusing me.

"At one point, some of them, including Saiful's cousins Sabbir Hossain and Al-Amin, started kicking and slapping me. Al-Amin even tried to injure my eye. Later, locals nearby rescued me and admitted me to the hospital."

Nayan published a report on the Patuakhali district BCL president committee on the online news portal Barta Bazar.

"The attack was planned. They even threatened to cut off my limbs if I further publish any such news," he said.

Contacted, Saiful denied the allegations, saying, "I was not at the scene. I heard there was an argument between him [Nayan] and some BCL activists. But there was no attack.

"After the incident, I even went to Patuakhali Press Club and spoke to the president and general secretary about the matter. We will accept whatever decision they make."

Bir Muktijoddha VP Abdul Mannan, general secretary of Patuakhali district AL, said, "I don't know about the incident, I am looking into it right now. It is not okay to attack journalists."

Md Jasim, officer-in-charge of Patuakhali Police Station, said the victim has filed a GD and after investigation, legal actions will be taken against the attackers.