Suva: Bangladeshi Bus Driver Hospitalized After Alleged Assault by Military Officer
A Bangladeshi national employed as a bus driver in Suva remained in hospital after an alleged assault carried out at his employer's garage, with the individual suspected of the attack believed to be a serving officer of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. Police and military investigations are both underway following the incident, which drew a firm public condemnation from Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh, who stated that the law applies equally to every worker in Fiji regardless of nationality or country of origin. The RFMF Commander indicated that dismissal was a likely outcome if the member's involvement is confirmed. Separately, Suva's Gujarati community gathered at the HFC Bank Stadium for the 2025 Fiji Gujarati Sports Association football tournament, with FMF Suva set to contest the final against New Zealand-based side United after both clubs came through their respective semi-final matches.
Minister Condemns Assault on Bangladeshi Worker as RFMF and Police Open Parallel Investigations
A Bangladeshi national employed as a driver for Dee Cee's Bus Services Limited in Suva remains hospitalised following an alleged assault carried out at the company's garage premises. According to FBC News, the victim was first involved in an altercation with another driver while travelling along Gaji Road. He was later followed to the company garage by a man believed to be an officer of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, where the alleged assault is said to have taken place. A formal police report has been lodged and a separate complaint submitted to the RFMF. Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai confirmed to FBC News that he would follow up on the report, stating that if the individual involved is confirmed to be a serving member of the RFMF, dismissal and further investigation are likely outcomes. Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh condemned the alleged incident without reservation. "Indeed it is very sad that workers anywhere are assaulted by anyone. It is illegal, it is not acceptable by any standard and whoever has done it must face the full brunt of the law," Singh said. The minister stressed that Fiji's laws extend the same protection to all workers regardless of nationality or country of origin, and that no worker, whether foreign or local, deserves such treatment. As of the time of reporting, the victim remained admitted in hospital while investigations by both the Fiji Police Force and the RFMF continued. [1]
🎉 FMF Suva Advance to Gujarati IDC Final Against New Zealand's United at HFC Bank Stadium
FMF Suva secured a place in the final of the Fiji Gujarati Sports Association 2025 Tournament, with the championship match set to be held at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. The team's place in the final was confirmed following a semi-final stage in which FMF Suva and FMF Lami 3 played out a 1-1 draw, failing to separate the two sides. In the second semi-final, United from New Zealand proved the stronger team, defeating FMF Lami 1 by a 1-0 scoreline to book their place in the decider. The final between FMF Suva and United (NZ) was scheduled to kick off at 3.45pm at the HFC Bank Stadium. The Fiji Gujarati Sports Association tournament is a significant annual event in the sporting calendar of Suva's Gujarati community, one of the longest-established groups within Fiji's broader Indo-Fijian population. The community has maintained cultural and familial ties to Gujarat across multiple generations, and the tournament serves as one of the most visible annual expressions of that heritage. The participation of United from New Zealand in the 2025 edition reflects the ongoing links between the Gujarati community in Fiji and the diaspora that has settled across the Tasman Sea. Football has served for decades as a unifying activity for this community, and the IDC final at the HFC Bank Stadium draws families, supporters, and participants from across Suva and the wider Fiji Islands. [3]
Sources: [1] FBC News · [3] Fijivillage