December 13, 2024

Press Release/BJIM/Dhaka​

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BJIM condemns attack on journalist by 'BNP leader'

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Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) strongly condemns the assault on journalist Minhaj Aman by Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, an alleged leader of the Siddhirganj unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and his followers on Friday, December 13, 2024.

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Aman, a fact-checking journalist, was attempting to mediate following an alleged assault on a public bus driver by Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, who is reportedly the General Secretary of the BNP’s Siddhirganj unit, in Narayanganj.

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Witnesses and Aman’s colleagues report that Hossain assaulted the bus driver and handed him a business card in a show of power. When Aman intervened to address the misconduct, Hossain’s followers attacked him, slapping and punching him on the street. The leader dismissively ordered Aman to leave amidst his protests.

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BJIM views this incident as part of a troubling pattern of aggression against journalists. We urge the authorities to take immediate and firm action against the alleged perpetrators and call on the BNP leadership to decisively address and prevent such inappropriate and violent behavior by its members.

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BJIM reaffirms its commitment to the safety, dignity, and freedom of journalists and members of the press.

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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