Rajshahi Union of Journalists President Muhammad Abdul Awal said an attack on journalist Ibrahim Hossain Samrat was not only an assault on one reporter but a direct attack on independent journalism, freedom of expression and press freedom.
Awal made the remarks Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 4, at a human chain and rally organized under the banner of Rajshahi’s journalist community at Saheb Bazar Zero Point in the city.
The event protested an attack on Samrat, a Rajshahi multimedia correspondent for the daily Ganakantha, and camera operator Abir. Participants demanded that those responsible be arrested and prosecuted.
Journalists risk their lives to expose irregularities, corruption, terrorism, drugs, land grabbing and other crimes, Awal said. An attack, threat or harassment against a journalist carrying out professional duties threatened both press freedom and the public’s right to information.
Violence and intimidation could not stop the publication of truth, he said, adding that journalists in Rajshahi and across the country would remain united against such attempts.
Awal urged authorities to arrest everyone directly or indirectly involved in the attack and bring them before the law. Investigators should identify the planners and patrons behind it and ensure exemplary punishment so that similar attacks were not repeated, he said.
A culture of impunity would encourage such crimes, making a proper investigation and prompt justice essential, Awal said.
Ensuring journalists’ safety was a constitutional and moral duty of the state, he said. The government should provide an environment in which journalists could work independently and without fear.
Awal said Rajshahi’s journalists would remain united in support of independent, objective and responsible journalism and would continue democratic programs defending journalists’ rights, safety and press freedom.
Other speakers included Rajshahi Union of Journalists Vice President Moin Uddin; Rajshahi Reporters Unity President S.M. Abdul Mugni Nero, Senior Vice President Masud Rana Rabbani and General Secretary Abu Hena Mostafa Zaman; Barendra Press Club President Rezaul Karim and General Secretary Shamsul Islam; and River City Press Club President Advocate Nizam Uddin.
Journalists working for different media organizations in Rajshahi joined the event. Speakers said stronger protests would follow if the attackers were not arrested and brought before the law immediately.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report