The 18th batch of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Dhaka University has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the attack on journalists during clashes between police and Inqilab Moncho activists in front of the capital’s Hotel Intercontinental on Friday.
In a statement issued on Saturday, they stated that journalists present at the scene engaged in video recording and news gathering were obstructed from performing their professional duties, with allegations that police members deliberately attacked them.
The statement said that journalists act as a mirror to the state, and such incidents pose a serious threat to media freedom and the professional security of journalists.
Attacks on journalists performing their duties are in no way acceptable and are contrary to the constitutionally recognised rights to freedom of expression and news gathering, the statement said.
In the statement, they demanded the identification of police members involved in the incident through an impartial investigation by the interim government and exemplary departmental punishment. At the same time, a call has been made for formal apologies to the injured and harassed journalists.
The statement added that a cooperative role from law enforcement agencies in journalists’ professional duties is expected and went on to call for effective steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
