Journalists of the Rupsa Upazila Press Club visit News21 reporter Shahidul Islam in hospital, following mob attacks on November 8. Credit: Facebook.

On November 8, Shahidul Islam, a local journalist and staff reporter for Khulna Gazette and district correspondent for News21 Bangla TV, was assaulted by approximately 30 unidentified people armed with locally made weapons in Rupsa upazila, located in the western Khulna district. Islam was attacked as he returned home and escaped to hide and contact authorities. Islam’s family says the journalist was severely injured in the assault and taken to a private hospital.

According to local media, Islam had been actively covering environmental matters, including the coal-making processes of Goalbari Poramanik Bari temple in Rupsa upazila. During his coverage, Islam had identified and reported individuals illegally burning wood and making coal stoves nearby the temple.

On November 15, Islam was again attacked at Pogaldigha College while covering a Student Union conference. Despite identifying himself as a journalist, Nirab claims the group of assailants assaulted him with sticks. Nirab was later admitted to Sarishabari Upzalila Health Complex for treatment.

In a similar case, Kaler Kantho journalist Mohammad Junayed Sheikh was assaulted by members of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at Jagannath University campus on November 17, whilst recording an altercation between students. Sheikh said a number of people associated with the JCD attempted to snatch his phone and assaulted him, despite the journalist identifying himself.

As of 2024, IFJ has monitored five journalist deaths in Bangladesh. Following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and introduction of a new interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, the country has witnessed widespread violence and nationwide protests against a controversial job quota that inadvertently silences Bangladeshi media voices.

The BMSF said: “The BMSF calls upon law enforcement authorities to swiftly investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. The assault on Shahidul Islam sparks grave concerns for journalists’ safety in Bangladesh. We urge the government to take urgent steps to ensure the safety and security of journalists nationwide so they can carry out their work without fear or obstruction.” 

The IFJ said: “Journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear of harassment, intimidation, and violence. Escalating physical and legal attacks on journalists in Bangladesh are of deep concern, and the country’s interim government and local authorities must take immediate steps to protect journalists and media workers at this crucial time of democratic transition.”