Bangladesh: Twenty journalists injured in Chittagong Press Club attack

Approximately 20 journalists were injured after several unknown individuals attacked a press club in Chittagong on August 5, while journalist Moniruzzaman Monir was seriously injured in an attack by a group of unknown people in Dhaka on August 13. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF), condemn the assaults, and urge authorities to conduct an immediate investigation into the incidents and hold those responsible to account.

Press club officials and members convene at the Chittagong Press Club auditorium on August 13 to discuss the recent attack that occurred on August 5. Credit: Facebook

On August 5, a group of attackers injured at least 20 journalists during an assault on the Chittagong Press Club in south-eastern Bangladesh. In a statement, the Chattogram Press Club claims the assailants broke into the press club after forcibly opening the main gate. They proceeded to the main office on the fourth floor, vandalising rooms and stealing cash and documents.

The assailants attacked and injured several journalists inside the club, including senior journalist Nirmal Candra Das, Golam Mortaza Ali, and Helal Sikder. Chittagong Press Club president, Salahuddin Reza, stated that between 30 to 40 individuals were involved in the attack, with Reza claiming that those responsible were linked to activists and leaders in the Bangladesh National Party (BNP).

This attack comes amidst a recent surge in violence against journalists in Bangladesh in the aftermath of nationwide protests and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On August 13, Moniruzzaman Monir, a correspondent for the daily Desh Rupantar in Raipura and president of the Raipur Upazila Reporters Club, was assaulted and shot by a group of unidentified assailants in Narayanganj, in Greater Dhaka.

The attackers ambushed Monir near his home, striking him with a hammer, before shooting him several times. The journalist was taken to the Raipur Upazila Health Complex, before being transferred to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital for more intensive treatment. The reason behind the assault is unclear, however some reports claim that the attack was over Monir’s recent coverage on local corruption and injustices. Eyewitnesses identified that approximately 10 individuals were involved in the attack.

The BMSF said: “We are deeply shocked and outraged by the violent attack on the Chittagong Press Club, which resulted in this cowardly attack, and demand that the perpetrators be swiftly brought to justice. We stand in solidarity with the injured journalists and call upon the authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of all media personnel. The freedom of the press must be protected at all costs, and such acts of violence must not be tolerated in any form.”

The IFJ said:“The IFJ strongly condemns the unprovoked attack on Chittagong Press Club in which at least 20 journalists were injured, and the attack on journalist Moniruzzaman Monir. Authorities must take immediate action to protect journalists and media workers and ensure that those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice.”

Written By

IFJ Asia-Pacific

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