Editors’ Council Expresses Deep Concern and Condemns Attacks on Journalists
The Editors’ Council has expressed deep concern and strongly condemned recent incidents of violence, threats, harassment, and intimidation targeting journalists performing their professional duties across the country. The organization emphasized that attacks on media professionals represent a direct assault on press freedom, freedom of expression, and the public’s right to information.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud highlighted the recent assault on journalists at Rajshahi University as particularly alarming.
Rajshahi University Incident
According to news reports, an attack on October 4 at Rajshahi University left at least ten people injured, including four journalists who were gathering news in the public interest.
The Council stressed that disagreements over coverage or editorial opinion never justify violence, intimidation, or obstruction, warning that fear and violence undermine independent journalism.
While welcoming the initiation of a case and investigation regarding the Rajshahi University attack, the Council urged that the probe remain impartial, credible, and evidence-based, demanding legal action against perpetrators regardless of their political or organizational affiliations.
Five-Point Demand for Media Safety
To safeguard journalists, the Editors’ Council presented a five-point demand calling for: prompt, impartial investigations into all recent incidents; strict legal accountability for perpetrators; safe working environments at public gatherings, political events, universities, courts, and administrative sites; an immediate end to harassment and threats; and explicit commitments from all political parties and stakeholders to uphold media safety and press freedom.
The statement emphasized that journalist safety is an essential condition for a free, democratic, and accountable society, requiring visible legal action and preventive measures.
Finally, the Council urged the government, law enforcement agencies, political parties, educational institutions, and key stakeholders to actively ensure a safe operating environment for media professionals.
