Occupation of press clubs and rising threats to journalists in Bangladesh – BMSF

The recently formed international government in Bangladesh has embarked on a program of governance reform. Amid this backdrop, officials across various institutions are forced to resign or have their offices occupied. This trend has notably affected important positions in cities nationwide, including Dhaka.

The National Press Club in Dhaka has become a focal point of these developments. Journalists Hasan Hafiz and Ayub Bhuiyan have declared themselves as the new president and general secretary, ousting the current leaders, Farida Yasmin and Shyamal Dutta, who served as president and general secretary, respectively.

In a press release, Yasmin and Dutta claimed that their offices were vandalised before the announcement by Hafiz and Bhuiyan, who were previously the club’s vice president and joint secretary.

Yasmin and Dutta emphasised that the National Press Club has historically been managed impartially, free from party influence, with its management committee elected through a systematic and participatory process. They hoped that those involved in the anti-discrimination student movement who aspire to a democratic Bangladesh would not support this forceful takeover of what has been considered a “second home” for journalists.

Reports from several Bangladeshi media outlets indicate a similar attempt to occupy the Press Club in Chattogram, the country’s port and commercial city. In Chattogram, a powerful group, allegedly unconnected to journalism, pressured Press Club President Salahuddin Mirza and General Secretary Devdulal Bhowmik to grant them membership. This group includes businessmen and individuals with criminal backgrounds, including smuggling drugs.

Amidst the anti-discrimination student movement, these individuals attempted to seize control of the Chattogram Press Club, leading to the club’s indefinite closure due to the ensuing chaos.

Sources reveal that many Bangladesh journalists face significant danger due to the ongoing instability. Many have taken leave or are working from home, but threats continue to be made against them, demanding they abandon their profession.

On August 5, the day Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country, media offices and journalists’ homes were attacked in various cities, including Dhaka. Several journalists were reportedly shot dead while covering the anti-discrimination student movement.

A press release allegedly issued by anti-discrimination student activists has been circulating on social media since last Saturday (August 10). The press release lists several prominent journalists’ personal and institutional identities and calls for their expulsion from journalism. Leaders of the student movement have not denied responsibility for this press release.

Senior journalists in Bangladesh have stated that this situation is unprecedented. They suggest that Jamaat-e-Islami might be supporting these recent acts of violence against journalists, particularly those targeting the anti-Hasina movement. Many leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement are believed to have ties to Jamaat.

The Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) has expressed grave concern over the situation at the National Press Club. They condemned the attempted occupation of the Chattogram Press Club by politically motivated groups, stating that the press club should remain a community-based institution for journalists, free from political influence. The BMSF called for unity and safety for journalists through a united press club.

Issued by: Khairuzzaman Kamal, Dhaka

Written By

IFJ Asia-Pacific

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