Bangladesh Journalists Unite Against Attack on Dhaka University Press Members
Journalists Condemn Violence Against Peers
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Dhaka, April 30: A collective of over 370 campus journalists in Bangladesh has voiced strong condemnation regarding the recent assault on members of the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA), demanding severe repercussions for the perpetrators, as reported by local media.
In a statement released on Wednesday, these journalists expressed their deep concern and anger over the violent incident.
They denounced the attack, which was reportedly executed by members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)’s student faction, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), on DUJA members while they were performing their journalistic duties, according to a prominent Bangladeshi daily.
It has been reported that a violent clash erupted at Shahbagh Police Station following the dissemination of a manipulated screenshot of a social media post that contained derogatory comments about Zaima Rahman, the daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
DUJA stated that the assault took place as journalists were covering the unrest surrounding the controversial social media post at the police station.
The organization claimed that Chhatra Dal leaders hindered journalists' efforts before a mob of approximately 150 to 200 individuals launched an attack, resulting in injuries to at least 10 journalists.
The statement characterized the incident as a direct assault on independent journalism and a violation of democratic principles.
“Such incidents have raised significant alarms regarding press freedom and the safety of journalists in our nation,” the signatories were quoted as saying.
The journalists pointed out that these recurring acts of violence, harassment, and intimidation against media personnel are not isolated events but part of a larger trend.
Describing the media as a reflection of the state and society, they asserted that attempts to silence journalists ultimately threaten democracy.
They called for the immediate identification, apprehension, and stringent punishment of those responsible for the attack, while also urging the Dhaka University administration to take strict disciplinary action against the implicated students.
The statement called on the government to conduct a fair investigation into the alleged negligence of law enforcement and to implement necessary reforms.
Reiterating that violence, intimidation, and oppression cannot extinguish the truth, the journalists pledged to remain united and vocal against such injustices.
They expressed complete solidarity with DUJA’s demands for the swift arrest of those involved and urged authorities to take decisive and effective measures.