Press Release/15 July 2024

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BJIM condemns attack on journalists by ruling party cadres​

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Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) strongly condemns the violent assaults on journalists by members of the ruling party’s student wing during a recent demonstration at Dhaka University.

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The attacks targeted photojournalists Prabir Das of The Daily Star and Dipu Malakar of Daily Prothom Alo, along with Shadique Mahbub Islam, a reporter for The Business Standard, who were covering the movement demanding reform in government job quotas. 

 

As armed members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student faction of  Awami League-led ruling party, sought to disperse the protesters, these journalists were assaulted.

 

All three journalists were injured as the armed cadres advanced, leaving them in shock and trauma. 

 

BJIM is deeply troubled by the recurrent targeting of the press by pro-government groups, often acting with apparent impunity. Such acts not only endanger individual journalists but also threaten the broader principle of press freedom.

 

As the demonstrations persist, BJIM insists on the protection of journalists’ rights to report freely and safely, demanding that authorities swiftly hold the perpetrators accountable and uphold justice for the harmed journalists.

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On behalf of all BJIM members,

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SAM Jahan, Convener, BJIM

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Faisal Mahmud, Member Secretary, BJIM

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Note: Note: This statement was updated at 10:50 PM on July 15