The 18th batch of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University has expressed deep concern over attacks on media workers.
The condemnation follows clashes between police and Inquilab Mancha supporters near the Hotel InterContinental area in the capital.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the batch noted that media workers were recording video and gathering news during the conflict when they were obstructed from performing their professional duties.
It was further alleged that police officers intentionally launched attacks on them during the chase and counter-chase between law enforcement and protesters.
Describing journalists as the mirror of the state, the statement said such incidents pose a serious threat to media freedom and the professional safety of news workers, adding that attacks on journalists on duty are unacceptable and run counter to constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and news gathering.
The group, identifying itself as the Darpan-18 Batch, called on the interim government to conduct an impartial investigation to identify those involved and impose exemplary departmental punishment, while also demanding a formal apology to the injured and harassed media workers.
The statement further urged law enforcement agencies to adopt a cooperative approach towards journalists performing their duties and called for effective measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
