Bangladesh: Journalists and media worker assaulted

Journalist Hossain Shahid and cameraperson Delwar Hossain were assaulted by a young man in Mymensingh city while travelling to Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) to cover a story on October 9, while journalist Sayedul Islam Farhad was assaulted on September 29. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF), in condemning the attacks and calls on the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists.

Jamuna Television journalist Hossain Shahid and cameraperson Delwar Hossain were assaulted in Mymensingh city while travelling to Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on October 9. Credit: Facebook

On October 9, Jamuna Television journalist Hossain Shahid and cameraperson Delwar Hossain were assaulted and sustained severe injures by a man named Alif Imran, who attacked them with an iron rod at Patgodam Railway Crossing in New Colony, Mymensingh city. Md Shafiqul Island, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station, confirmed that the two media workers were on their way to Bangladesh Agricultural University to cover a story when the attack occurred.

Shahid received first aid, while Delwar sustained a fractured right hand from the assault. He was admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and is currently recovering. No case has been lodged regarding the incident.

In a separate incident, Dhakapost.com correspondent and journalist Sayedul Islam Farhad was assaulted and had his phone stolen by unknown assailants outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh, on September 29.

Foyzul Azim, officer-in-charge of the Sadar Police Station, confirmed that Farhad filed a case with the Cox's Bazar police station and legal action is currently underway.

The BMSF said: "BMSF stands in solidarity with the journalists during this difficult time and demands justice for this heinous act. It calls upon the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and to take immediate action against those who perpetrate violence against the media. No journalist should face violence or intimidation while carrying out their duties."

The IFJ said:"The recent assaults on media workers Hossain Shahid and Delwar Hossain, as well as the attack on Sayedul Islam Farhad, highlight the dangerous climate for press freedom in Bangladesh. We call on the interim government to prioritise the safety of journalists and protect the integrity of independent journalism."