Condemnation has mounted over the attack on journalists by Chhatra Dal leaders and activists at Rajshahi University, with at least 26 organisations and institutions demanding arrests, exemplary punishment and a safe working environment for journalists on campus.
The BNP-backed student organisation’s central committee has formed a two-member investigation team and asked it to report to the team within 24 hours.
On Sunday night, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists set out to “teach a lesson” to an Islami Chhatra Shibir leader but ended up attacking journalists in front of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall. Subsequently, videos of the assault spread online, triggering widespread criticism.
Journalists at the university later placed a three-point demand, including cases and arrests against the attackers, cancellation of the studentship of those involved and cancellation of certificates and campus entry bans for those no longer enrolled.
They also demanded the resignation of the university proctor and the provost of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall.
Although those involved have been identified, the university administration filed a case against unnamed persons.
Students of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism boycotted classes and formed a human chain on Monday in protest against the attack and the filing of the case, in which the accused had not been named.
At the programme in front of Rabindra Bhaban, Professor A-Al Mamun said punishment proceedings against those responsible for carrying out the attack against journalists and students must begin quickly.
“Journalists worked as the eyes and ears of the people during the July mass uprising,” he said. “If there is no scope for independent journalism, the country will return to darkness.”
Professor Mashihur Rahman said he had not seen such an attack on journalists in three decades of teaching.
A student at the university, Farzana Tanvi, warned that the administration should resign if it failed to take exemplary action quickly.
Calling for those responsible to be brought to justice regardless of political identity or influence, Transparency International Bangladesh questioned the role of the university administration and police and demanded an inquiry into whether there had been failures in carrying out their responsibilities.
The Rajshahi Journalists’ Union also sought an impartial investigation, including into whether the administration and law enforcement agencies failed to ensure journalists’ safety during and after the attack.
The issue was also addressed by the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association, who said that impunity and delays in justice over attacks on journalists increase the risk of recurrence.
Human Rights Defenders Society demanded an impartial investigation, legal action against those involved and security for the injured journalists.
Jamaat-e-Islami, the main opposition party in parliament, also condemned the attack.
The condemnation was supported by the secretary of Jamaat’s central publicity and media department, Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, who wished the injured journalists a speedy recovery and called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
Jamaat itself has faced allegations over attacks on journalists. On 23 June, four of its activists were expelled after party leaders and activists beat several journalists at Dhanmondi 32 in the capital.
Chhatra Shibir described the Rajshahi University incident as an attack on free media, the academic environment and student safety.
Jamaat ally National Citizen Party also demanded the arrest and strict punishment of the Chhatra Dal leaders and activists involved.
Chhatra Dal’s investigation committee comprises central Vice-Presidents ABM Ejazul Kabir Ruel and Manjurul Alam Riyad.
