Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) has urged the interim government to dismiss murder charges brought against professional journalists following recent political changes in the country.

The DUJ expressed concern that journalists across Bangladesh, including in Dhaka, are being implicated in murder cases since the shift in power earlier this month.

In a statement released Friday, DUJ President Sohel Haider Chowdhury and General Secretary Akhtar Hossain called on the interim government’s Chief Adviser and relevant ministry advisers to take immediate action for withdrawal of these cases. 

The DUJ leaders highlighted that, since  August 5, over 50 journalists have been accused of murder in various districts. Many of those implicated hold leadership roles in journalist unions and press clubs.

The DUJ leaders said that these individuals are being targeted unfairly, despite their role in upholding the public's right to information and leading the journalist community.

“While it is appropriate for any journalist to face charges if specific allegations are proven, it is not justifiable to entangle them in murder cases merely on accusations of assisting the previous government,” reads the statement.

The DUJ also condemned the harassment and abuse of journalists following their arrests, which has reportedly occurred on court premises. The union called for those responsible for such attacks to be swiftly identified and prosecuted.

The DUJ leaders warned that the widespread filing of murder charges against journalists is instilling fear within the media community and spreading panic among the general public. They cautioned that this could undermine efforts to build a society free from discrimination.

The union has called for the immediate withdrawal of these cases to protect both journalists and the broader societal commitment to justice and fairness.