Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Tuesday strongly condemned and protested the assault and harassment of several journalists in the capital’s Dhanmondi-32 area, blaming activists of Jamaat-e-Islami for the incident.

In a joint statement, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir expressed deep concern over what they described as a “brutal attack” on media professionals while they were performing their professional duties.

According to the statement, those attacked included Daily Sokal multimedia reporter Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir, Jamuna Television senior reporter Rabbi Siddiqui and Kalbela journalist Abdur Rahman Ishan.

Citing reports published in various media outlets, the JCD leaders said that another 20 to 25 journalists present at the scene were also subjected to harassment during the incident.

The Chhatra Dal leaders said attacks on Journalists and attempts to silence the media are contrary to the principles of a free, democratic and civilised society.

They added that the incident demonstrated an intolerance towards differing views and warned against what they described as efforts to push the country towards an “extremist, intolerant and fascist structure.”

The statement further said that the incident reflected a lack of commitment to multiparty democracy, human rights and freedom of the press.

Reaffirming JCD’s support for democracy, freedom of expression and media freedom, the leaders said the organisation had consistently stood in favour of a free press and would continue to speak out against any form of extremism or authoritarianism.

They demanded that those responsible for the alleged attack on journalists in Dhanmondi-32 be identified and brought to exemplary punishment.

The JCD leaders also wished a speedy recovery for the injured journalists and called for proper medical treatment and stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of media professionals while carrying out their duties.