He was rushed to Pirojpur Sadar Hospital in critical condition. Doctors advised sending him to Dhaka for better treatment.

Police and victim's family sources said Mithu was attacked near the Sikder Medical Hall square in the town when he was returning home from Press Club at about 9:30 pm.

He was beaten and injured in the head. Hearing the news, journalist rushed there from the Press Club and took him to hospital with the help of local people.

Local people caught one of the alleged attackers--Russel -- and handed him over to police.

Sources claimed that the attackers belonged to the ruling party.

No case was lodged till the report was filed Monday night.

However Pirojpur Police superintendent Abdullah-Al-Azad Chowdhury visited Mithu at the hospital assured him of action against the attackers.

The Pirojpur Press Club and the local unit of Sangbadik Samity at a meeting on Monday at the Press Club condemned the attack and demanded punishment of the attackers.

Local journalist will give a memorandum to the administration today and bring out a procession on January 7 demanding punishment of the attackers. Barisal Reporters Unity in a statement also condemned the attack.