Dhaka University Journalists’ Association has demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack on journalists at Shahbagh Police Station in Dhaka, along with the academic expulsion of the students implicated.
The organisation also called for ensuring a free environment for journalism across the country.
The demands were made at an emergency press conference held at the association’s office in the TSC area of Dhaka University at 11:30pm on Thursday.
“Expectations for free journalism that emerged after the mass uprising of 24 are now being questioned by recent incidents,” said Dhaka University Journalists’ Association President Manjur Hossain Mahi.
“Harassment of journalists over the past two days and the latest direct attack at Shahbagh Police Station are deeply concerning,” he added.
He said journalists went to Shahbagh Police Station after receiving reports of tensions over a Facebook post.
“When we attempted to record video, Chatrodal activists obstructed us. When we protested, we were pushed and abused,” he said.
He added that later a “mob” of around 150-200 activists attacked the journalists.
“Our experience shows the police remained silent at the scene. The situation worsened after the attack,” said Dhaka University Journalists’ Association General Secretary Liton Islam.
He described the incident as a clear “threat” to journalists, following a series of earlier incidents.
At least 10-12 journalists were injured in the attack, some of them seriously, and received treatment. The general secretary of the association was also among the injured, the press conference said.
The association placed three demands: immediate identification and arrest of those involved, expulsion of the students from Dhaka University, and ensuring a free environment for journalism nationwide.
“If effective action is not taken within the next 24 hours, tougher programmes will be announced in coordination with journalists’ organisations across universities,” the speakers warned.
The leaders also said a case would be filed against those responsible following the press conference.
The attack took place around 8pm on Thursday inside Shahbagh Police Station when journalists, including the DUJA president and general secretary, went there to collect news.
At least 10 journalists and two Dhaka University Central Students’ Union leaders were assaulted in the incident, victims said, also alleging a silent role by the police.
