Leaders of the Rajshahi Union of Journalists (RUJ) have expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the attack on journalists while they were carrying out their professional duties at Rajshahi University.
The RUJ leaders also protested the attack and called for action against those responsible.
In a statement sent to the media on Monday, RUJ President Md Abdul Awal, General Secretary Dalim Hossain Shanto, Vice-president Moin Uddin, Joint Secretary Omar Faruk, Treasurer Habil Uddin Habib, Publicity and Publication Secretary Ashikur Rahman, and Executive Member Sohel Mahbub protested the incident.
The journalist leaders said the attack was extremely concerning for independent journalism.
Such an attack is not only a threat to the safety of journalists but also raises serious concerns about freedom of expression, a free press and a democratic environment, they said.
They demanded the arrest of those involved in the incident, along with an impartial investigation to ensure legal action against anyone found to have been involved.
The RUJ leaders noted that ensuring journalists can work safely while carrying out their professional duties is the responsibility of the relevant authorities.
However, they described the role of law enforcement agencies as highly questionable. They also raised questions about the role of the university administration during and after the attack.
Furthermore, the journalist leaders called for a fair and acceptable investigation to determine whether the attack was planned, identify all those responsible, and establish whether any individual, group or quarter instigated, assisted or was otherwise involved in the incident.
They urged the university administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of journalists, maintain an environment conducive to the free discharge of their professional duties, and take effective measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.
