The Editors’ Council has strongly condemned the attack and harassment of journalists while they were covering a political programme of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka metropolitan unit in the Dhanmondi area on 23 June.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the council expressed deep concern over the incident and demanded a neutral, credible investigation to identify and punish those responsible.
Although the political party concerned has described the incident as a “misunderstanding” and spoken of an investigation, the council said attacks on journalists performing their professional duties are unacceptable under any circumstances.
“Such attacks on journalists while performing their professional duties are contrary to press freedom, the right to news gathering, and freedom of expression,” the statement said.
The Editors’ Council demanded the identification of those responsible through a transparent, impartial, and credible investigation and the taking of punitive action against them.
At the same time, the council called on the concerned authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment for journalists to carry out their professional responsibilities.
The statement was signed by Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir and Secretary General Dewan Hanif Mahmud.
