Editors' Council condemns attack on journalists in Dhanmondi

The Editors' Council has strongly condemned and protested an attack on journalists while they were collecting news after a political programme of Jamaat-e-Islami in the capital's Dhanmondi area on Tuesday (23 June).

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud, the council said the incident involved the assault and harassment of journalists while they were performing their professional duties.

While noting that the political party concerned had described the incident as a "misunderstanding" and expressed regret, the council said there could be no justification for attacks on journalists carrying out their professional responsibilities.

The Editors' Council said such incidents constitute a threat to media freedom, the right to gather news and freedom of expression.

It called for a swift, impartial and credible investigation into the incident, identification of those responsible and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

The council also urged the authorities concerned to ensure a safe and secure environment for journalists so that they can perform their professional duties without fear.