At least 10 local media representatives at the second and final Test between Bangladesh and Australia were injured in clashes with police, witnesses said on Sunday.

One was being operated on locally for a suspected haemorrhage and another was rushed to Dhaka with head injuries.

The journalists may now boycott the rest of the Test and the three one-dayers, which follow later in the month.

About 20 officers with batons damaged cameras and clashed with around 50 reporters and photographers who were protesting by the side of pitch outside the press box during the lunch break on day one.

They were upset over an incident before play began when a policeman assaulted a photographer in a row over using transport in the restricted stadium vicinity.

"At least 10 reporters and photographers were injured and five were taken to clinic for treatment," a reporter from the scene said over telephone, describing the lunchtime protest.

A reporter from a Chittagong-based daily, who was hit on the head by a baton, was being operated on at Chittagong Medical College Hospital where three others received first aid.

"We suspect a haemorrhage in his head, so we need an urgent operation," a doctor said.

A cameraman from a Dhaka-based private television channel was rushed to Dhaka with head injuries, a reporter said.

The Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association said in a statement it would boycott the Test and ODI series if the policemen involved in the clashes were not punished.

The association apologised to newspaper readers for being obliged to take such a decision.

Also Read Day 1: Bowlers put Australia in command 1st Test: Ponting guides Australia to victory Schedule: Australia in Bangladesh

Majedul Haque, a senior officer with Chittagong Metropolitan police, said police had gone into action after a number of unruly people identifying themselves as reporters threatened police, who had then promptly acted in self-defence.

"However, the incident would be investigated and if policemen were responsible they will be punished," he said.

The policeman involved in the earlier assault had expressed regret and been suspended.