Press Statement

Bangladeshi journalist beaten while investigating corruption

15 May, 2014

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins the Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) in condemning the attack on a journalist while on assignment on Tuesday, May 13.

Shishir Morol, a special correspondent of Prathom Alo, was held captive for two hours and beaten by Dr Shafiul Azam and staff Sufian of the ZH Sikder Women’s Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. Morol was working on the news story that alleged that Dr Azam had been illegally working fulltime at two hospitals. Morol visited the hospital seeking Dr Azam’s comments.

Morol was admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University after police rescued him on information by his colleagues. Police has also registered a case.

The BMSF said:“We strongly condemn the attack and demand arrest of the accused for further investigation.”

Meanwhile, journalists in Bangladesh have given a 48-hour ultimatum to the state to make an arrest.

The IFJ said:“It’s every journalist’s right to seek information to fulfill the responsibility of telling citizens the truth and they should never be obstructed or hindered by brutal violence such as this.”

The IFJ urges the Bangladesh government to immediately investigate the case and punish the perpetrators.

Written By

IFJ Asia-Pacific IFJ Asia-Pacific

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries.
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