Staff Reporter: Momtaz Uddin
A human chain protesting the torture of journalists was organized in the area adjacent to Uttara Purba Police Station in the capital. More than a hundred journalists from various media outlets living in Uttara participated in the program held on Saturday afternoon.
The speakers at the human chain said that recently, journalists from Channel S’s public welfare and investigative program ‘Ke Shune Kar Katha’ were attacked by terrorists while investigating the secret information of stolen goods and drug gangs in the Dakshin khan area. Tariq Shibli, Shanto Mahmud and Rabbi Noor were seriously injured in the attack. In addition, local journalists Md. Mizanur Rahman and Shakil Al Farooqui were also injured in the attack and are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The speakers alleged that the attackers vandalized Channel S’ cameras and equipment and stole the camera’s memory card with video footage, which contained evidence of drug dealing and stolen goods. It was claimed that the damage was around two lakh taka.
Local journalists Ashraf Ali of 150 Parantar and Global TV said, “This attack is not only a direct attack on journalists, but also on democracy and freedom of expression.”
Farid Ahmed Nayan told Asian TV, “There are repeated attacks on journalists. In the last one month, 22 journalists have been attacked in the country. If this injustice does not stop, we will be forced to take the path of strict movement.”
Masud Parvez, Dainik Inqilab and Nagorik Television, said, “The attackers on Channel S have been identified but have not been caught yet. They are roaming around openly—that raises questions about the role of the police.”
The speakers alleged that some self-proclaimed journalists have formed a club in Uttara, who are involved in collusion with unscrupulous businessmen and criminal gangs. Due to them, the crime rate in the area is increasing day by day. The speakers demanded an immediate end to ‘fake news’ and ensuring the safety and dignity of genuine journalists.
Also present were Abdullah Al Mamun, editor of Pran Bangladesh, Zakaria Al Mamun, president of Kaliganj Press Club, BM Masik Hasan, and more than a hundred television and newspaper journalists.
It is worth noting that a case has been filed in this regard at Dakshin khan Police Station, but no one has been arrested so far except for one attacker. Journalist leaders said, “Although the interim government has promised to ensure media freedom, journalists at the field level are still suffering from extreme insecurity. If the culture of impunity is not stopped, media freedom will be questioned.”
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