In a joint announcement, the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) have issued a 72-hour ultimatum. They stated their demand to initiate boycott of all news related to BNP-Jamaat unless the political parties issue an apology for the attacks on journalists during Saturday’s (October 28, 2023) rally. Following the attacks, BFUJ and DUJ organized a protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Sunday.
Earlier, around 30 media workers sustained injuries in an attack by BNP-Jamaat activists while attempting to gather information and capture images of the violence unfolding in the capital.
You can also read: Dhaka in Chaos as BNP Rally Unfolds
The clash between Bangladeshi Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters and the police on October 28, 2023, resulted in journalists coming under attack, with some of their vehicles and equipment being vandalized.
Hence, different journalist organizations and media platforms unequivocally condemned these assaults against their colleagues.
Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU)
The Dhaka Reporters Unity, in a statement, strongly condemned the attacks, physical abuse, and the theft of mobile phones and valuables, as well as the damaging of cameras and equipment experienced by 30 journalists during the incident.
Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ
The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President Omar Farooq and General Secretary Deep Azad called for exemplary punishment by apprehending the attackers. In their statement, they highlighted that these attacks occurred when activists attending the BNP rally-initiated acts of vandalism and arson, which journalists were documenting. The response from BNP and Jamaat workers was to attack the journalists.
Justice for Journalists
Another the organization “Justice for Journalists” expressed deep concern over a journalist’s injury during their coverage of the BNP conflict near the Vijaynagar water tank in the capital. In their statement signed by President Kamrul Islam and Secretary-General Shahin Babu, the organization highlighted the threat to free and safe journalism when media professionals are targeted while performing their duties. The statement called for support for injured journalists and fair compensation, while urging all political parties to respect journalists.
Subsequently, the journalists’ organization sought the intervention of the home minister and demanded exemplary punishment for the attackers.
Attack on Journalists
During the protests at Rajmoni crossing, Mohammad Ali Mazed, an AFP video journalist and an executive committee member of the Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media, was forcefully confronted by protesters. He was physically assaulted with sticks as he attempted to navigate towards the Kakrail intersection amidst the ongoing clash. Furthermore, his camera was damaged in the process.
Numerous journalists, including Ahammad Foyez from New Age, Salman Tarek Shakil from Bangla Tribune, Rafsan Jani from Daily Kalbela, and Hamidur Rahman from Share Biz, among others, were subjected to injuries during the unrest.
Rafsan Jani, a journalist from Daily Kalbela, endured severe injuries in the attack. While attempting to flee towards the Segunbagicha area for safety, his assailants relentlessly pursued him, leading to a brutal beating. Rafsan eventually fell to the ground, sustaining significant injuries to his head and body. Fortunately, fellow journalists came to his rescue and rushed him to Dhaka Medical Hospital. Additionally, Kalbela journalists Abu Saleh Musa, Rabiul Islam Rubel, and Tauhidul Islam Tarek also suffered injuries.
Beside this, Daily Ittefaq multimedia journalist Sheikh Nasir and a freelancer for the daily Maruf were assaulted while carrying out their professional responsibilities.Journalist Tauhidur Rahman and cameraman Arifur Rahman from Ekushey TV were also injured by workers associated with Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP.
Meanwhile, Masood Parvez Anis, a photojournalist from Bhorer Kagoj, was assaulted by BNP workers in front of Notre Dame College. He reported that the attackers included members of Juba Dal and Jamaat. Anis explained that he was targeted while trying to capture images of Awami League poster festoons being set up in the middle of the road.
Several other journalists, including Rudra Saifullah and cameraman Arju from Green TV, Salekin Tareen from GKPIGEN Dhaka Times, photojournalists Sajjad Hossain and Zobair Ahmed, as well as crime reporters Qazi Ihsan bin Didar and Arifur Rahman Rabbi from Desh Rupantor newspaper, also fell victim to attacks and injuries.
