Beating of journalists

The story goes like this -- one of the correspondents reported that fourteen newly appointed teachers and officials of Patuakhali Science and Technology University were barred from joining work by the student activists since most of them were not from the locality. The other correspondent focussed on the intra-party conflict. What was shocking to learn was an open admission of the students that they had beaten up the journalists. That is the height of arrogance and a clear example of trampling press freedom underfoot. Even the Vice Chancellor of the university reportedly vouched for the fact that the journalists were beaten. But he wouldn't agree it was because of reporting.

The reporters were simply doing their jobs by despatching news which were true. We strongly condemn such attitudes of the student activists. The ruling party must be able to rein them in as they bring disrepute to it. At the same time, we also demand a thorough investigation into the matter. The VC must get to the bottom of this and the authorities must ensure protection to the journalists. The government keeps talking about its commitment towards freedom of expression. This will be vindicated if these culprits are punished.

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