Assault and harassment of journalists must stop
It is a shame that harassment and violence against journalists persist in the country despite the ousting of Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian regime that had taken the suppression of press and speech to unprecedented extremes. According to an estimate by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), violence against journalists doubled in August 2025 compared to the previous month, with at least 72 journalists affected. Among them, one was murdered, 33 were injured, five assaulted, 11 threatened, and one arrested.
Such incidents have been quite recurring. Just weeks ago, we called for better protection and safety for journalists following the killing of Asaduzzaman Tuhin and the brutal assault on Anwar Hossain in Gazipur; both were on duty when attacked. Such attacks were not just by miscreants; there were also mob attacks on media houses and journalists. The most glaring example is the incident that took place inside the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) on August 28, where a mob pounced on speakers at a roundtable. But instead of arresting the disruptors, police detained journalist Monjurul Alam Panna under the Anti Terrorism Act, along with former Awami League MP Abdul Latif Siddiqui and Dhaka University professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon. What is even more concerning is that a TV journalist covering Panna's case in court was assaulted by several lawyers on Thursday.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The hostility being shown towards journalists goes beyond the physical. Their integrity is also continuously questioned, and their work often vilified. At a meeting on Wednesday, the Editors' Council rightly condemned the August 28 incident, and expressed concerns that the government's proposed Media Workers (Terms of Employment) Act, 2021, drafted during the AL era, might retain provisions that undermine press freedom. It goes without saying that journalists were among the most affected groups during the AL regime.
While it appears that space for dissent has opened under the interim government, the reality for journalists remains grim. A suicide note left by senior journalist Bibhuranjan Sarker last month exposed the harsh conditions media professionals face. They continue to feel pressured to comply with various political parties, security forces, and corporate entities. No tangible steps have been taken to secure their safety, job security, or create an environment where they can work without fear of assault, harassment, or intimidation. The media reform commission's report, which proposed changes that could positively impact the community, also remains unimplemented. We, therefore, urge the government to expedite efforts to implement these recommendations so that journalists' safety and professional freedom can be safeguarded.
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