10 injured in violent attack led by expelled BAIRA leader Fakhrul

Reports have emerged of an attack on general members of BAIRA (Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies) during a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

The assault was allegedly led by Fakhrul Islam, a former joint secretary of BAIRA who had been previously expelled from the organization.

At least 10 individuals were injured during the incident. Witnesses said Fakhrul’s associates also vandalized the DRU hall room during the chaos. The press conference was scheduled for 11:00 AM on Monday and was organized by BAIRA's general members.

Several injured members were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Among them are Abdul Mannan, owner of Max Firm; Mahfuzur Rahman, owner of Earth Smart Bangladesh; and Lucky Akhter, owner of Al Fahim Overseas, along with several others.

Abdul Mannan, one of the injured, stated that general members had organized the press conference to welcome the Malaysian government's recent decision to reopen its labor market to Bangladeshi workers. As the members gathered, a group of attackers led by expelled joint secretary Fakhrul Islam and BAIRA member Riaz Mustafa allegedly tried to obstruct the event and physically assaulted several participants. During the scuffle, Fakhrul and Mustafa's associates reportedly vandalized the DRU's Sagar-Runi Hall.

Shahbagh police arrived at the scene shortly after being notified and detained Fakhrul, Mustafa, and two others in connection with the incident.

In response, Abu Saleh Akon, President of the Dhaka Reporters Unity, stated that several DRU facilities, including the hall room, were damaged in the attack.

It is worth noting that in recent weeks, certain individuals—including Fakhrul, Riazul Islam, and Golam Mostafa—have allegedly been involved in spreading misinformation aimed at discrediting the government’s initiatives to reopen labor markets in Malaysia and other countries.

General members of BAIRA have condemned such activities and called them acts of conspiracy.