In a formal appeal to Prof Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, leading Indian press organisations have highlighted a disturbing surge in violence targeting journalists across Dhaka, Chattogram, and other regions.
Reports indicated that some journalists have been killed and many others have been forced into hiding. The attacks are reportedly perpetrated not only by anti-social elements but also by certain officials.
A coalition of leading press organisations, including the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCCSA), the Press Club of India (PCI), the Indian Women's Press Club (IWPC), the Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA, India), the Press Association, and the Indian Association of Foreign Affairs Correspondents (IAFAC), has highlighted these concern regarding recent violent attacks on journalists and media outlets in Bangladesh in a press release on Monday.
The coalition, representing a broad spectrum of media and journalistic bodies, emphasises the critical role of a free press in fostering an informed society and supporting democratic processes.
As Nobel Peace laureate, Dr Yunus is known for his advocacy for social justice and human rights, and the organisations trust he shares their concern for the safety of journalists.
The appeal underscores the need for the Bangladesh government to take immediate and effective measures to protect journalists and media workers. It calls for impartial and thorough investigations into the violence and urges that perpetrators be held accountable.
Additionally, the coalition requests that political leaders, public officials, and government authorities refrain from actions or rhetoric that undermines the credibility and safety of the media, it said.
This urgent call to action aims to ensure that journalists in Bangladesh can continue their crucial work without fear of violence or intimidation, thereby upholding the principles of a free, independent, and plural media, the release added.
