An investigation report into the attack on Dhaka University (DU) journalists at Shahbagh Police Station was finally submitted on Tuesday, nearly five months after the incident.
The university administration had asked the probe committee to submit the report within three working days.
Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam confirmed the submission during a meeting with representatives of the Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA) at his office on Tuesday afternoon.
“The investigation report into the attack on journalists at Shahbagh was submitted today. It has already been sent to the Syndicate for further legal and administrative action,” the vice-chancellor said.
He said the matter would be placed before the next Syndicate meeting and that prompt action would be taken against those found responsible.
Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, DUJA President Md Manzur Hossain Mahi said the report was submitted nearly five months after the journalists were attacked.
“We believe the nationwide reaction to the recent attack on journalists at Rajshahi University may have put pressure on the probe committee to submit its report,” he said.
Asked why the investigation took so long, DUJA General Secretary Liton Islam said the committee had cited the need to take statements from and coordinate with several parties.
“We believe there was a lack of initiative and willingness on the part of the administration. Had it acted promptly, the matter could have been resolved within one to one-and-a-half months,” he said.
Liton said a quick resolution of the case could have discouraged similar attacks on journalists at other universities.
“The Dhaka University administration cannot evade responsibility for allowing a culture of impunity to continue,” he added.
On 23 April, at least 10 journalists were injured when they were attacked at Shahbagh Police Station while performing their professional duties.
Following the incident, the university administration formed an investigation committee headed by Assistant Proctor Mahbub Kaiser.
The committee was instructed to submit its report within three working days, but it failed to meet the deadline.
