Bangladesh Editors' Council Condemns Attacks, Threats Against Journalists

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Council expressed particular concern over the October 4 attack on journalists at Rajshahi University. It said journalists covering events and gathering information were working in the public interest and were not representing any particular side.

The Council said disagreements with a journalist's reporting, views or professional activities could not be used to justify physical attacks, threats or attempts to obstruct their work.

It stressed that attacks on journalists undermine independent journalism, freedom of expression and the public's right to access information. The Council also said the safety of journalists was a basic requirement for a free, democratic and accountable society.

Calling for immediate and lawful action in cases involving attacks or intimidation of journalists, the Editors' Council also urged authorities and other stakeholders to adopt measures aimed at preventing such incidents.

The Council listed five demands, including timely and impartial investigations into recent attacks, threats and harassment, followed by legal action against those found responsible irrespective of their political identity or affiliations.

It also called for journalists to be provided with a secure working environment while covering political events, university programmes, court proceedings, government offices and other public gatherings.

The Council further demanded an end to obstruction, intimidation and harassment faced by journalists while performing their professional duties. It urged political parties, affiliated organisations and other groups to make clear commitments to protecting journalists and upholding independent journalism.

The statement followed an incident at Rajshahi University in which at least 10 people were seriously injured after members and leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing affiliated with Bangladesh's ruling BNP, allegedly attacked journalists and students, local media reported.

The incident took place on Sunday night outside Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall, triggering condemnation and calls for action against those involved.

The injured journalists were identified as Arifuzzaman Korban of bdnews24, Zahidul Islam of Agamir Shomoy, Noor Ahsan Mridul of *The Daily Star* and Mainul Islam Raju of *Samakal*.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) also condemned the incident, expressing concern over what it described as an armed attack and death threats against journalists at the university. It called for those responsible to face justice regardless of their political connections or influence.

The Dhaka University Journalists' Association also criticised the attack and called for exemplary punishment for those involved, along with steps to ensure a safe environment for journalists working on university campuses.