There can be no justification for attacking journalists: Editors’ Council

The Editors’ Council has demanded a swift, impartial, and credible investigation into the attack and harassment of journalists covering an event in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi.

In a statement issued today, Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud called for those responsible to be identified and subjected to exemplary punishment.

Such attacks are violations of media freedom, the right to gather news, and freedom of expression, the council said.

The incident occurred on June 23 following a political programme organised by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka South city unit. Journalists covering the event were assaulted and harassed. The council strongly condemned the attack and rejected the party’s claim that it resulted from a “misunderstanding.”

“There can be no justification for attacking journalists while they are carrying out their professional duties,” the statement said.

Read more

Jamaat expels four members over attack on journalists in Dhanmondi

The council urged authorities to ensure journalists can perform their duties in a safe and fearless environment.

Following the incident, Jamaat described the attack as “unexpected, unwanted and regrettable,” expressing deep regret. The party later expelled four individuals involved in the assault on journalists in Dhanmondi.