Two journalists’ organisations have strongly condemned separate attacks on reporters in Dhaka and demanded swift action against those responsible.
In a statement on Monday, the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) condemned the attack on senior journalist Prasun Ashish and urged the authorities to identify those involved and ensure exemplary punishment.
BSRF President Masudul Haque and General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal said an attack on a journalist while returning to the office after performing professional duties is not only condemnable but also a direct assault on press freedom and journalists’ safety.
They said repeated incidents of assault and harassment against journalists while carrying out their professional responsibilities are deeply concerning.
According to Prasun Ashish, the incident took place on Sunday afternoon when he was returning after collecting news from the Secretariat. The vehicle of Somoy Sangbad was stopped at a traffic signal in front of the Electricity Building.
When the signal turned green and the vehicle started moving, a traffic sergeant suddenly halted the movement again. The situation escalated after the driver sounded the horn, he said.
At that time, a passerby began recording the incident on a mobile phone. While trying to stop the recording, a man identified as Sajib Hasan, central organiser of Jatiya Jubo Shakti of the National Citizen Party (NCP), allegedly created a mob and attacked Prasun Ashish and Somoy Sangbad’s senior video journalist Aminur Rahman.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) also expressed deep concern and condemned attacks on two journalists- Kamrul Hasan, senior reporter of the Daily Samakal, and Prasun Ashish, special correspondent of Somoy TV.
In a statement, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a proper investigation and bring the attackers to justice.
According to Kamrul Hasan, he was attacked by several unidentified individuals around 3:30 pm on Monday while travelling by motorcycle from the DRU office to the Samakal office in Tejgaon.
The incident occurred near the south gate of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General in Segunbagicha under Ramna Police Station.
The attackers allegedly punched him repeatedly and snatched Tk 35,000 from his pocket before fleeing. A bus named “Soban Allah” was seen standing at the spot and the attackers are suspected to be linked to its staff.
The DRU leaders also called on the authorities to ensure the safety and security of journalists performing their professional duties.