Press Release/11 November 2023
BJIM condemns attacks on Rajshahi journalists by ruling party men
The Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) vehemently condemns the targeted and violent attacks on journalists Abu Sayed Rony and Abdul Alim at Rajshahi College in Rajshahi, a northern district, on November 9, 2023.
Such brazen acts against journalists represent a direct assault on the very essence of journalism and freedom of the press.
The alleged perpetrators, identified as members of the Bangladesh ruling party Awami League’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, attacked the journalists while they were on duty reporting activities on the college campus.
Mr. Alim, a staff reporter at Rajshahi Post, recounted the harrowing experience he faced while documenting acts of vandalism perpetrated by some of the student organisation’s members.
Mr. Rony, a correspondent for Bangladesh Journal and an alumni, told BJIM that despite being recognised as journalists on assignment, he and his colleague were intentionally targeted by the assailants. Rony was beaten till he fell unconscious. Both reporters’ phones were taken away by the attackers.
BJIM calls upon the authorities to take immediate action, ensuring a thorough investigation and justice.
It is imperative that political parties and their affiliates respect the role of the media in documenting public interest stories, and we urge authorities to safeguard journalists against such unacceptable threats.
BJIM stands in support of Alim, Rony and all journalists who risk their safety to bring news to the public. Such violence and intimidation will never stop fair journalism practices.
Our Stance Remains unwavering; Journalists Are Not A Target.
On behalf of all BJIM members,
SAM Jahan, Convener, BJIM
&
Faisal Mahmud, Member Secretary, BJIM