On 11 December 2012, police allegedly beat and subsequently detained two photographers, Mr. Amran Hossain and Mr. Sourav Laskar, working for the Daily Star and New Age newspapers respectively. The two were briefly arrested, their equipment confiscated and allegedly beaten by policemen. Both were released later the same day. The two photographers were reportedly covering clashes between the police and supporters of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, taking photos of burning tires. The police, lead by Mamun Sirajul Haque, allegedly accused them of setting the fire and proceeded to beat them, despite the two 2 photographers showing their press identification cards. The two journalists were subsequently taken to a police station in the town of Shimrail, and allegedly beaten again. Later on, both journalists were taken to another police station in Siddhirganj, where their mobile phones and cameras were confiscated according to reports. Mr. Laskar's camera was allegedly smashed on the floor by the police. The two journalists were reportedly released in the afternoon on the same day and Mr. Mamun Sirajul Haque was suspended in connection with the incident.