A total of 370 campus journalists from across the country have strongly condemned the recent attack on members of the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the journalists, working at various public and private universities and colleges, expressed deep concern and outrage over the incident.
They protested the assault allegedly carried out by some leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on DUJA members while they were performing their professional duties.
DUJA expresses concern over attack on journalists by law enforcement
The statement said the incident is not only a direct attack on independent journalism but also contradicts democratic values. “Such acts have raised serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.”
The journalists further noted that repeated incidents of attack, harassment, and intimidation against journalists are not isolated, but rather part of a planned pattern. As the mirror of the state and society, they said, any attempt to silence journalists ultimately weakens democracy.
They called for the immediate identification, arrest, and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the attack. At the same time, they urged the Dhaka University administration to take strict administrative action against the accused students.
The statement also called on the government to conduct an impartial investigation into allegations of negligence by law enforcement agencies and to take necessary measures.
The journalists emphasised that attacks, intimidation, or repression cannot stop the voice of truth. They affirmed that campus journalists across the country will remain united and vocal against such injustices.
Expressing full solidarity with the just demands of the DUJA, they urged the relevant authorities to take swift and effective action.
On April 23, DUJA members were reportedly assaulted while carrying out their professional duties inside Shahbagh Police Station, leaving at least 10 journalists injured.
According to video footage and eyewitnesses, DUJA has so far identified 14 attackers and one alleged instigator, and has submitted a list to the investigation committee.