Journalists at risk

What was his fault? Actually, he was helping three Jugantor reporters to meet with some JMJB leaders and local people in their quest for more information about the clandestine activities of the extremist group. That obviously earned the journalist the ire of Peter and his group, who like the proverbial wolf had quarrelled with the bike-riding team of reporters over 'honking' on their way out. Claiming a deputy minister as his relative, Peter threatened Shafiqul with dire consequences spitefully bragging, "What will happen if we kill a journalist like you?"

We are quoting from our report at some length only to carry the point with the government that the matter calls for a thorough investigation leading up to arraignment and punishment of the culprits.

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Journalists have become an endangered species. This is for all to see, and which is earning a rap on the knuckle, even overseas. This should be easily avoided. For, free press in Bangladesh is one of our best faces forward; let's not overlook that fact. It is also immensely helping the government with a reliable source of objective information to tap for the purpose of good governance.

The more the journalists are trying to exercise their right to reporting by way of servicing the people's right to know, the more vulnerable they are becoming to the machinations of vested quarters and fanatical outlaws.

In a democracy, it's the government's natural responsibility to see that journalists are protected and helped in the discharge of their legitimate professional duties.