Rising Violence Against Journalists in Bangladesh: 162 Attacks Reported in Three Months

Dhaka, October 3 (Daily Kiran) : A monitoring report from a research organization in Dhaka has revealed that at least 162 journalists faced attacks, threats, and legal harassment while performing their professional duties over the past three months. Local media reported this alarming statistic, highlighting a concerning trend in press freedom within the country.

According to a report released by the Media Initiative for Development, August was particularly brutal for journalists, marking the highest number of violent incidents recorded. In July, 50 journalists were affected by 39 incidents nationwide. That number surged in August, with 67 journalists impacted across 44 events, reflecting a 12.8% increase from the previous month.

The situation remained grim in September, as 45 journalists faced harassment and violence in 29 incidents reported throughout the country, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

The report detailed that threats to life were the primary form of intimidation faced by journalists during this period. In July, nearly 48.7% of reported incidents involved death threats, followed by physical attacks at 28.2%. Journalists encountered severe dangers, including shootings, assaults on their homes and offices, legal cases, and abductions. Physical attacks continued to plague journalists in August as well.

Those working in print media, especially field journalists outside major cities, were the most affected. Among the 162 targeted journalists, 89 were from daily newspapers, 53 from television channels, and 20 from online news outlets.

These incidents were reported across more than 30 districts in Bangladesh, with Dhaka, Chattogram, Sirajganj, Barisal, and Sylhet divisions experiencing a higher frequency of attacks and harassment against journalists.

The report also expressed concern over the lack of concrete legal action following these attacks and threats. Rashdul Hasan, executive director of the Media Initiative for Development, emphasized that violence against journalists is a direct assault on press freedom and the public’s right to information. He urged the government to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into each incident and ensure that those responsible face stringent penalties.