Chittagong University (CU) journalists formed a human chain on campus on Tuesday, demanding a fair investigation into the recent attack on four journalists at Rajshahi University and punishment for those responsible.
The Chittagong University Journalists Association (CUJA) held the programme at the university’s Buddhijibi Chattar and later, campus correspondents of different media outlets brought out a silent procession from the Shaheed Minar to the administrative building, covering their mouths with black cloth.
Speaking at the human chain, CUJA Vice-President Azim Sagar said attacks on journalists were a threat to the media’s role in a democratic society.
He said journalists had faced various forms of pressure and obstruction during the previous Awami League government and expressed concern over recent attacks allegedly involving leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD).
CUJA General Secretary Sohel Rana said campus journalists had helped cover the activities of political organisations on campuses and should not be treated as opponents.
“We are not anyone’s opponents. We want to work as partners,” he said.
Rana said campus journalists had been attacked at different times since 5 August, but those incidents had not resulted in punishment.
“If such attacks continue, we will not hesitate to boycott programmes of those responsible,” he added.
CUJA Finance and Publication Secretary Mohsin said around 35 journalists had faced harassment in at least 20 incidents across the country.
He also referred to an alleged incident in which journalists were assaulted inside a police station at Dhaka University, saying such incidents raised concerns about journalists’ safety.
“An incident of journalists being assaulted inside a police station at Dhaka University also took place. So, where is the safety of ordinary people? The journalists at Rajshahi University had no involvement in the incident. If journalists are attacked while covering clashes between political groups, it is deeply concerning,” he said.
The protesters placed three demands, including effective measures by the government and university administrations to ensure the safety of journalists on all campuses.
They also demanded an impartial judicial investigation into the attack on journalists at Rajshahi University and exemplary punishment for those responsible.
Their third demand was the formulation and implementation of a policy, with the participation of all stakeholders, to ensure the safety of journalists at Chittagong University.
Campus correspondents of various media outlets attended the programme.
