Geneva: At least 12 Bangladeshi journalists were injured after a bus carrying media professionals was attacked by suspected extortionists in the Narsingdi area on January 26, prompting strong condemnation from global media watchdogs.
The journalists were returning to Dhaka by bus after attending a programme organised by the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh when the incident occurred. According to the state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the bus had halted by the roadside when a group of local extortionists demanded money as “toll.” As the journalists resisted, a heated exchange followed, after which the attackers assaulted them with locally made weapons.
All the injured journalists were rushed to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital for treatment. The assailants also allegedly threatened to set fire to the bus, endangering the journalists’ accompanying family members, including women and children.
The Switzerland-based media safety and rights organisation Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) strongly condemned the attack and urged the interim government in Dhaka to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible. “It is extremely unfortunate that poll-bound Bangladesh continues to make headlines for attacks on journalists. The assault on media professionals for resisting extortion is unacceptable under any circumstances,” said Blaise Lempen, president of PEC.
PEC’s South Asia representative, Nava Thakuria, said Bangladeshi police have arrested two accused so far and search operations are underway to nab the remaining members of the gang.
The incident comes at a sensitive time as the country of over 170 million people prepares for its 13th national election scheduled for February 12 under an interim administration headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The caretaker government has repeatedly assured citizens of free, fair and peaceful elections.
Concerns over journalist safety have intensified following the killing of Rana Pratap Bairagi (45) on January 5, the first reported journalist fatality globally this year, underscoring growing risks faced by media professionals in Bangladesh.
